Scones, Glorious Scones

1/07/2011

I fell in love with scones while at Purdue University.  I would stop on occasion at a little Mediterranean cafe (for whom I later became the baker) and get a cappuccino and a golden raisin scone.  I can remember the first bite, the plump raisins, the crumbly dough not as fluffy as a biscuit, and not dry, but it begged for the warm creamy hydration from the cappuccino. 
I have since traded my cappuccino for a hot chocolate, have mastered the art of making scones and boast a menagerie of styles and flavors in my scone repertoire.  My family thankfully has gained my love of these unassuming pastries and we enjoy them almost once a week.  The recipe can be easily made ahead and frozen, ready to thaw overnight in the refrigerator and popped into the oven for a delicious and quick on the go breakfast.

Scottish Buttermilk Scones

Ingredients

2 C flour
1/3 C sugar
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
6 Tbs unsalted chilled butter
1/2 C buttermilk
1 egg (room temp.)
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
2/3 C dried fruit of your choice (optional)
1 tsp citrus zest (optional)

Pre-heat oven to 350.  Mix dry ingredients together.  Using two knives or a pastry cutter, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks a little crumbly, and the butter is similar to the size of peas.  Add liquid ingredients and stir by hand or mix on low in a KitchenAid mixer until the liquid is just incorporated.  Add optional fruit and zest until just mixed through.
Place dough on a well floured board or counter.  Press all ingredients together softly kneading-do not over handle, and separate into 2 disks 1/2" thick.  Cut each disk with a large knife 6 triangles as you would a pie, or use a cookie or biscuit cutter and place onto a sheet pan.  Pop into the oven for 18-20 min.  Serve with butter, jam or enjoy as they are! 

Tip:  I make various versions of this recipe; orange cranberry with cinnamon, blueberry lemon, goat cheese and chive, and golden raisin with garam masala, or chocolate chips and orange to name a few. **If you have the time and the inclination whip up some glaze (1 C. confectioners sugar and 2 Tbs. milk, water or juice of choice and drizzle over the top of cooled scones)-yumm!  You're really only limited by your imagination! Pin It

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