Mother's Tea Biscuits

Author: Margaret Helmstetter

Mother was a firm believer that a cup of tea and a biscuit would cure all the worlds' ills. If you came home excited about something, her answer was a cup of tea and a few biscuits. If you were disappointed over something, her answer would again be a cup of tea and a biscuit. It didn’t matter what ailed you, the answer would be the same -- a cup of tea and a biscuit.

The biscuits she made were a cross between cookies and baking soda biscuits. I was delighted when, as I was preparing to move into my first apartment, she shared the recipe with me.

Soon it became a habit that when she dropped in for a visit we’d enjoy a cup of tea and spend time sharing our lives with each other. The smell of fresh baking biscuits was a signal that a cup of tea, a biscuit, and a chat with mom was in the schedule. While this time with my mom may have not solved the world's problems, I learned from those talks and a cup of tea with mother. Sharing good news made it better. Sharing unhappiness made it more bearable and helped put it in perspective.

While mother is gone now, I can always remember her just by brewing a cup of tea and popping some biscuits in the oven. To carry on mother’s tradition, I’ve learned that a “cup of tea, a biscuit, and a talk” with my children are precious moments, not soon forgotten.

My children have developed a signal to let me know when they’d like a chance to chat with me. As soon as I hear, "Mom, can we have a cup of tea?" I know then that they would like a chance to talk, and create a memory with me.

We have talked about everything from school to plans for the future. Sometimes we just sit and reminisce about the past. As our lives get busier and more complex mother's “cup of tea and a biscuit” are always a nice way to slow down and connect with my family.

Just a few weeks ago, my 3-year-old granddaughter asked if we could have a cup of tea. I was delighted that another generation would enjoy the tradition and learn the joys of having a quiet moment with a loved one.

Your willingness to experiment and your pantry are the only limits to the variations you can make with mother’s tea biscuits. And to make sure you’re spending more time with loved ones and less time measuring and mixing, keep all the dry ingredients mixed up and in the refrigerator for those unexpected “cup of tea and a biscuit” moments.

Mother's Tea Biscuits Recipe

Ingredients

1 beaten egg
2/3 cup milk
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 cups flour
1 tablespoon sugar
4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup shortening

Instructions

In measuring cup combine the first three ingredients together and set aside.
Measure and sift all dry ingredients into bowl.
Cut in shortening until the mix resembles breadcrumbs.
When ready to bake combine milk mixture with dry ingredients mixing lightly with a fork until just mixed.
Roll out 1/2 inch thick and cut with 2-inch biscuit cutter.
Place on lightly greased cookie sheet about 1 inch apart.
Sprinkle with granulated sugar.
Bake at 400 for 10-15 minutes till lightly browned.
Serve warm.

* When I grew up and had children of my own I started having tea and biscuits with my children. I found it was a great way to connect with the children, to share part of their lives. I have developed several variations on the biscuits that they enjoy as much as I enjoyed the originals.

Variations

Stir in 1 cup of raisins, or chopped nuts with dry ingredients.
Use a cookie cutter to make different shapes.
Skip sprinkling granulated sugar on top then when they come out of the oven drizzle icing over the tops.
Decrease milk to 1/3 cup and mix in one mashed banana with the milk.
Mix in candied orange peel.

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