Yorkshire Tea Cakes Recipe

Yorkshire Tea Cakes Recipe

History:
Yorkshire Tea Cakes are a traditional British delicacy that originated in the county of Yorkshire, England. These delicious treats are often enjoyed as part of afternoon tea or as a snack with a hot cup of tea. Tea cakes have been a popular treat in Britain for centuries and are loved for their fluffy texture and subtle sweetness. While there are various recipes for tea cakes, the Yorkshire Tea Cakes recipe is a classic version that has been passed down through generations.

Fun fact:
The Yorkshire Tea Cakes recipe has been enjoyed by both the working class and the upper class in Yorkshire. It was an affordable and accessible treat that could be made with simple ingredients like flour, eggs, milk, yeast, and butter. The cost of making these tea cakes was just 5d, making it an economical choice for many households. The tradition of enjoying tea cakes with a cup of Yorkshire tea is still cherished to this day.

Ingredients:
- 3/4 lb. flour (about 340 grams)
- 1 egg
- 1 1/2 gills milk (about 225 ml)
- 1 tablespoonful yeast
- 1/2 tablespoonful sugar
- 1 oz. butter (about 28 grams)

Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, rub the butter and flour together until they resemble fine breadcrumbs.
2. Make a well in the center of the mixture and sprinkle in the sugar.
3. Crack the egg into the well and lightly beat it with a fork.
4. In a separate basin, mix the yeast with the sugar.
5. Heat the milk until it is just tepid and pour it over the yeast mixture. Stir well to combine.
6. Strain the milk and yeast mixture into the flour and egg mixture.
7. Using your hands or a wooden spoon, work the ingredients together to form a light dough.
8. Divide the dough into two equal parts.
9. Grease two small baking tins with butter.
10. Place one portion of the dough into each tin and spread it out evenly.
11. Cover the tins with a thin paper or cloth and place them near a warm stove for about an hour, or until the dough has risen to at least three times its original size.
12. Preheat the oven to a quick temperature.
13. Remove the cover from the tins and place them in the preheated oven.
14. Bake for approximately fifteen minutes or until the tea cakes are golden brown.
15. Take the tea cakes out of the oven and leave them to cool slightly.
16. Serve the Yorkshire Tea Cakes plain or toast them and spread them with butter.
17. Enjoy with a cup of Yorkshire tea!

Similar Recipe Dishes:
- Hot Cross Buns: Hot cross buns are another beloved British treat often enjoyed during Easter. They are spiced sweet buns marked with a distinct cross on top and typically contain currants or raisins. Like Yorkshire Tea Cakes, hot cross buns are often served toasted and buttered.
- Scones: Scones are a classic British baked good, known for their tender and crumbly texture. They are often enjoyed with clotted cream and jam as part of a traditional afternoon tea. Scones can be flavored with various ingredients such as raisins or cheese, and they are a quintessential part of British cuisine.