17 Southern Living Recipe For Tea Cakes They're Simply Irresistible!
Published on: Apr 21, 2024
As the southern saying goes, "There's nothing that can't be solved with a cup of tea and a good tea cake." And when it comes to tea cakes, there's no better recipe to turn to than the southern living recipe. Passed down through generations, this recipe has stood the test of time and remains a staple in many southern households. Made with simple ingredients and bursting with flavor, these tea cakes are the perfect treat to enjoy with a hot cup of tea or coffee. So let's dive into the southern living recipe for tea cakes and learn how to make this beloved dessert.
Main Ingredients: Water, Salt, Quaker Quick Grits, Cream Cheese, Crushed
What better way to complement your beer can chicken than with a side of creamy, cheesy jalapeno grits? This recipe from Southern Living adds a spicy kick to the classic Southern dish. The grits are cooked with diced jalapenos and sharp cheddar cheese, creating a perfect balance of heat and creaminess. Serve these grits alongside your beer can chicken for a truly Southern meal.
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A Southern Living Preview
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breasts, Kosher Salt, Freshly Ground Black
Another Southern Living recipe, this one offers a preview of their famous beer can chicken recipe. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of beer, brown sugar, and spices before being grilled to perfection. The result is a flavorful and tender chicken that will have you coming back for seconds.
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Perfect Mashed Potatoes
Main Ingredients: Yukon Gold Potatoes, Salt, Butter, Half And Half, Cream
No beer can chicken meal is complete without a side of mashed potatoes. This recipe from The Pioneer Woman is the perfect blend of creamy and buttery. The secret ingredient? Cream cheese. It adds a tangy flavor and extra creaminess to the mashed potatoes, making them the perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken.
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Easy Peach Cobbler
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, All Purpose Flour, Sugar, Baking
For a sweet and indulgent dessert, try this easy peach cobbler recipe from Taste of Home. The combination of juicy peaches, warm spices, and a buttery crust will have your taste buds singing. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate comfort food experience.
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Martina McBride's Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, Kosher Salt, Black
This recipe from country music star Martina McBride is a delicious twist on traditional chicken soup. The addition of cream cheese and half-and-half makes for a rich and creamy broth, while the tortilla strips add a satisfying crunch. This soup is the perfect way to warm up on a chilly night.
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Fire Crackers
Main Ingredients: Saltine Crackers, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Black
If you're looking for a spicy and addictive snack to enjoy with your beer can chicken, look no further than these fire crackers from The Country Cook. Saltine crackers are coated in a mixture of ranch dressing mix, red pepper flakes, and garlic powder before being baked to crispy perfection. They're the perfect balance of salty, spicy, and crunchy.
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Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya
Main Ingredients: Canola Oil, Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, Smoked
Add some Cajun flair to your beer can chicken meal with this delicious jambalaya recipe from Food Network. The chicken and sausage are cooked with onions, bell peppers, and celery, creating a flavorful and hearty dish. Serve it over rice for a complete meal.
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Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Main Ingredients: Elbow Macaroni, Milk, Butter, All Purpose Flour, Salt
No list of Southern dishes would be complete without a classic mac and cheese recipe. This one from Southern Living is simple and delicious – just the way mac and cheese should be. The creamy cheese sauce and crispy breadcrumb topping make for a winning combination.
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Christmas Crab Cakes
Main Ingredients: Lump Crabmeat, Panko Breadcrumbs, Large Eggs
If you're looking to impress your guests with a fancy appetizer, try these Christmas crab cakes from Taste of Home. The combination of crab meat, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings creates a flavorful and elegant dish. Serve them with a homemade tartar sauce for the perfect accompaniment.
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Pecan Tea Cakes
Main Ingredients: Toasted Pecans, Whole Milk, Unsalted Butter, Granulated
These pecan tea cakes from The Pioneer Woman are the ultimate Southern dessert. The buttery cookies are studded with chopped pecans and coated in a sweet glaze. They're the perfect treat to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee after your beer can chicken meal.
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Homemade Funnel Cakes
Main Ingredients: Cake Flour, Light Brown Sugar, Baking Powder, Kosher
Take a break from traditional desserts and try these homemade funnel cakes from The Country Cook. The fried dough is coated in cinnamon sugar, creating a sweet and crispy treat. Serve them with a drizzle of chocolate syrup for an extra indulgence.
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Non-Alcoholic Margarita Mocktail
Main Ingredients: Limeade, Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice, Fresh Lime Juice
If you're looking for a refreshing and non-alcoholic beverage to enjoy with your beer can chicken, try this margarita mocktail from Food Network. The combination of limeade, lemon-lime soda, and grenadine creates a fruity and tangy drink that will quench your thirst.
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One-pan Pasta With Chicken Sausage, Mushrooms, and...
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Chicken Sausage, Cremini Mushrooms, Unsalted
This one-pan pasta recipe from Southern Living is the perfect weeknight meal. The chicken sausage and mushrooms are cooked with pasta in a creamy tomato sauce, creating a flavorful and easy-to-make dish. It's a great way to use up any leftover beer can chicken.
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Molten Red Velvet Cakes
Main Ingredients: Chocolate Baking Bar, Heavy Cream, Cake Flour
For a decadent and impressive dessert, try these molten red velvet cakes from Taste of Home. The rich and chocolatey cakes are filled with a gooey cream cheese and white chocolate center. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.
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Old-Fashioned Tea Cakes
Main Ingredients: Crisco, Sugar, Eggs, All Purpose Flour, Salt, Baking
These old-fashioned tea cakes from The Pioneer Woman are a classic Southern treat. The simple and buttery cookies are perfect for pairing with a cup of tea or coffee. They're also a great way to use up any leftover beer can chicken.
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Blackberry-Lemon Griddle Cakes
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Granulated Sugar, Baking Powder
For a twist on traditional pancakes, try these blackberry-lemon griddle cakes from The Country Cook. The lemon adds a refreshing and citrusy touch to the fluffy pancakes, while the blackberries add a burst of sweetness. Serve them with a dollop of whipped cream for a truly indulgent breakfast.
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Turkey Panini
Main Ingredients: Pepper Jelly, White Bread Slices, Roast Turkey, Kosher
If you're looking for a quick and easy lunch option to enjoy with your beer can chicken, try this turkey panini recipe from Food Network. The combination of turkey, provolone cheese, and pesto creates a flavorful and satisfying sandwich that can be made in just a few minutes.
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Butterscotch-Bourbon Lava Cakes
Main Ingredients: Butterscotch Chips, Butter, Bourbon, Vanilla Extract
For a boozy and indulgent dessert, try these butterscotch-bourbon lava cakes from Southern Living. The rich and decadent cakes are filled with a gooey butterscotch and bourbon center. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate treat.
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Grit Cakes with Pork Grillades
Main Ingredients: Whole Milk, Kosher Salt, White Grits, Sharp White
This recipe from Taste of Home puts a Southern spin on the traditional Italian dish of polenta and meat sauce. The grit cakes are topped with a flavorful pork and tomato sauce, making for a hearty and satisfying meal. It's a great way to use up any leftover beer can chicken.
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Chicken Bog
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Yellow Onion, Carrots, Chopped Garlic
This traditional Southern dish from The Country Cook is a hearty and flavorful combination of chicken, rice, and sausage. The chicken is cooked with rice, sausage, and seasonings, creating a one-pot meal that is sure to please. It's a great way to use up any leftover beer can chicken.
The Secret Ingredient: Butter
When it comes to baking, butter is a crucial ingredient and the southern living recipe for tea cakes knows this all too well. The recipe calls for un-salted butter to achieve the perfect balance of sweetness and richness. Butter is not only essential for flavor but also for creating a soft and delicate texture in the tea cakes. So make sure to use high-quality butter for the best results.
Adding a Touch of Vanilla
Vanilla extract is another key component in the southern living recipe for tea cakes. This flavorful extract adds depth and warmth to the tea cakes, making them even more irresistible. Make sure to use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor. You can also experiment with different types of vanilla, such as Mexican or Tahitian vanilla, for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
Don't Forget the Lemon Zest
One of the things that sets the southern living recipe for tea cakes apart from others is the addition of lemon zest. This small but mighty ingredient adds a refreshing citrusy flavor to the tea cakes and balances out the sweetness. Make sure to use fresh lemon zest for the best results. The aroma of lemon will fill your kitchen as the tea cakes bake, making the anticipation even greater.
A Pinch of Salt
While it may seem like an insignificant ingredient, salt plays a crucial role in baking. Just a pinch of salt in the southern living recipe for tea cakes helps to bring out all the flavors and create a well-rounded taste. It also helps to balance out the sweetness and enhance the other ingredients.
Bringing it All Together
To make the perfect tea cakes, it's important to follow the southern living recipe precisely. Make sure to cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, and then add in the eggs one at a time. Don't overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough texture. Add in the dry ingredients, including the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a touch of cinnamon for a warm and comforting flavor. Once the batter is ready, use a cookie scoop or spoon to form small balls and gently press them down on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-12 minutes and let them cool before enjoying.
In Conclusion
The southern living recipe for tea cakes is a true southern gem. With its simple ingredients and delicious taste, it's no wonder why this recipe has been passed down through generations. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in these delectable tea cakes. Your taste buds will thank you.
