London’s Rainy Season
It’s that time of year in London again when the sun seems to have taken a long vacation, leaving us with rainy days. These past few weeks, the city has been soaked in drizzle, with the constant pitter-patter of raindrops on the window panes. My cat seems a bit disappointed lately, sitting by the window watching the rain, as fewer birds have been visiting the garden because of the rain.
The Tea Lover’s Dilemma: No Biscuits
For tea drinkers in the UK, biscuits are more than just a snack – they’re an essential companion to a steaming cup of tea. Running out of biscuits on a rainy day, especially when you work from home, can feel like a genuine crisis. As both my husband and I work from home, we faced exactly that issue recently. It was raining outside, and neither of us felt like braving the downpour just for biscuits. But a cup of tea without a biscuit? Unthinkable!
Solving the Problem: A Quick Biscuit Recipe
After some pondering, I decided to make our own biscuits. And what could be better than an easy chocolate biscuit recipe? I came across Nigella Lawson’s recipe for chocolate biscuits, and it was just the thing we needed to brighten up our rainy afternoon.
Here’s the adapted recipe for you to try:
Easy Chocolate Biscuits Recipe (All photos by me!)
Ingredients (adjusted for 100g butter):
- 120g self-raising flour
- 12g cocoa powder
- 100g unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 50g caster sugar
Method:
- Preheat the oven to 190°C/170°C fan/gas 5. Sift together the flour and cocoa powder into a bowl and set aside.
- Cream the butter and sugar until light and pale in colour.
- Mix in the sifted flour and cocoa to form a dough (it may look like it needs liquid, but keep mixing).
- Roll the dough into walnut-sized balls, flatten them with a fork, and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 5 minutes, then reduce the heat to 170°C/150°C fan/gas 2 and bake for another 15-20 minutes.
- Let the biscuits cool on a wire rack, then store in an airtight container.
These biscuits are quick to make and perfect with a cup of tea. The warm chocolate aroma filled the house, and with the rain outside, it was the perfect moment to enjoy them with our tea.
A Bit of British Tea Culture
While we enjoyed our homemade biscuits, I couldn’t help but reflect on how tea is more than just a drink in the UK; it’s a daily ritual that brings comfort. Tea holds a special place in British life. It’s common to hear the phrase, 'Shall I make you a cup of tea?' when someone’s feeling down or needs cheering up. Offering tea is a universal way of providing comfort and showing care.
And, of course, no tea time is complete without biscuits. Whether they’re served on the side or dunked right into the tea – a habit loved by many Brits – tea and biscuits are the perfect pairing. I’ll save the debate about dunking biscuits for another post, but it’s one of those small pleasures that makes tea time even more special.
Brightening Up a Rainy Day: Tea Sets to Match
Rainy days can sometimes feel dull, but using a vibrant tea set can truly lift the spirits. That’s why I’m so excited to introduce the latest arrivals to my online store: a Victorian tea set from Hawkins.
With its charming pink, purple, and blue floral patterns, this tea set is perfect for brightening up your mood, even on the greyest of days. Whether you’re sharing tea with family or enjoying a quiet moment for yourself, this set brings a touch of elegance to your tea time.
Discover the Victorian Tea Set Collection from Hawkins in Henley on Thames
Closing Thoughts
Even on a rainy day, there’s something so comforting about tea and biscuits. With the right tea set, you can turn any grey afternoon into a special occasion. I hope you try the biscuit recipe and take a look at the beautiful Victorian tea sets now available in my store.
Stay warm, enjoy your tea, and don’t forget the biscuits!