Picnic indoors: a Cream Tea from Delimann (review)

"Tea to the English is really a picnic indoors" (Alice Walker)

"Under certain circumstances there are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as Afternoon Tea" (Henry James)

"There is no trouble so great or grave that cannot be much diminished by a nice cup of tea" (Bernard-Paul Heroux)

The British summer this year doesn't spoil us with good weather, it has been raining almost non-stop for days and weeks, all BBQs and picnics on the lawn have been postponed until the sunny day.

But what could stop you from having a picnic indoors? Cream tea is the utlimate British pleasure.
If you are feeling miserable in this weather, why don't you treat yourself to a Cream tea from Delimann? Nothing better to lift your spirits than a hot cup of tea with warm scones, smothered in clotted cream and strawberry jam.

My first taste of the Delimann treats happened to be on my birthday this year. A big hamper was delivered in the morning, and I kept wondering who sent it to me. It turned out to be a prize from Crafts Beautiful (the photo of my Russian dolls biscuits was published in the magazine).

When Gill from Delimann asked me recently if I would like to review their Devon Cream tea selection, I didn't hesitate a second.
For me the Cream tea is the epitome of the British cuisine, simple and wickedly luxurious at the same time.

Devon Cream tea from Delimann is one of their best selling gifts, and I can easily believe that.
Just have a look at what I have received: two plump Devon scones, a tub of Devonshire farm clotted cream, strawberry jam, Teonis clotted cream shortbread, Roskilly's fudge and refreshing Afternoon tea. It costs £17.50 plus postage. All the goodies arrive, carefully wrapped and well protected from any bumps on the way.

West Country tea (15 teabags) makes a good strong cuppa. As it is not flavoured, it complements well the richness of the treats.

Roskilly's fudge is made with all natural ingredients and tastes like a classic fudge should taste.

My guys were all agog over the box of Teonies shortbread. I did manage to taste one of them before the rest was demolished by my gang. It is a very crumbly buttery shortbread, and has a perfect balance of butter and sugar. It literally melts in the mouth. Perhaps not for those who count calories, but then again, that applies to the whole concept of cream tea, if you want to enjoy it, forget about the calories and just savour the moment.

Devonshire Farm Clotted Cream  is made on the local Devon farm, with milk from Guernsey cows.
It is superbly rich and creamy, and spreads like a dream on the generously sized scones.
Delimann's own label Strawberry Jam is produced in small batches for maximum flavour and is a winner of Gold Medal in Great Taste Awards. It has a very pure intense strawberry taste.

The scones are baked on the day of the dispatch. They are fresh and soft, great in taste and texture and are easily sliced.

I'm more than sure that after such a treat you'll be singing paeans to Edesia the goddess of food.

You might argue, of course, that it will be less expensive to bake your own scones and make your own jam, which is true, but it is such a pleasure to give and receive a foodie gift of quality.

Mann & Son are celebrating their own special anniversary in 2012. They first started trading in Bovey Tracey in 1837, 175 years ago! The Deli is still run by the same family.
Happy anniversary, Deli, here's to another 175 years and more!

Image credits: Delimann