{Love in the Kitchen}: Raspberry Scones

I happen to love scones, although I don't bake them as often as I have in times past.  (And the reason for that is purely to steer clear of the temptation they bring...)  Still, whenever the opportunity for an occasional indulgence arises, like my recent Afternoon Tea fete while vacationing, I pause for the cause of scrumptious eats.  

The recent Valentine's Day stirring got me to contemplating recipes that I could make with a Valentine's twist.  And my beautiful copper biscuit cutters that I snagged during my travels last month, which happened to include heart-shaped ones, became just the inspiration I needed to return to the world of magnificent, homemade scones.  (Heart-shaped, no less.) 

I was drawn to the recipe for Raspberry Scones because, well, it included the traditional 'red-themed' accent that comes along with traditional V-day territory. (A bit corny, perhaps.)  And it read like a dream--although I've only used dried fruits in my scones in the past, so kneading the fresh raspberries into the dough, without making the biggest mess ever, was a feat.  The final look was a bit messier than usual, but taste trumps all, in the end.

So, if you're up for some love in the kitchen (and who isn't?), give these scones a try.  They come together and bake off quickly--and the bright and gorgeous raspberry hue gives them a rustic finish that's quite beautiful, if you agree that less than perfect can still be beautiful.  Finally, pair them with some delicious jam, or whipped cream, or both, for the ultimate breakfast, brunch, and tea bite.

Happy Eating!

Raspberry Scones
Recipe courtesy of Martha Stewart

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for work surface 

1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar  

1 tablespoon baking powder 

3/4 teaspoon coarse salt  

1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces 

3/4 cup buttermilk  

1 large egg yolk 

1 1/2 cups fresh raspberries (6 ounces)

Method:

Preheat oven to 400. In a food processor, pulse together flour, cup sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add butter and pulse until pea-size pieces form. In a small bowl, whisk together buttermilk and egg yolk. Slowly pour buttermilk mixture through feed tube into processor, pulsing until dough just comes together.

Transfer dough to a lightly floured work surface and sprinkle raspberries on top. Knead three times to fold in raspberries (there may be loose pieces of dough and a stray berry or two). Gather and pat dough into a 1-inch-thick square and cut or pull apart into 2-inch pieces. Place pieces, about 2 inches apart, on two parchment-lined rimmed baking sheets and sprinkle tops with 1 tablespoon sugar.

Bake until golden brown, 15 to 18 minutes, rotating sheets halfway through. Let scones cool slightly on sheets on wire racks. Serve warm or at room temperature.  Enjoy!
 


 

Link Love: Weekending

Photo Credit: Bon Appetit

It's the weekend!  There are few phrases that get as much acclaim and evoke more genuine excitement than this one does.  And beyond the obvious reasons of more time for ourselves, our families--our worlds (and things we love)--it's also the perfect excuse opportunity for food, fun and a bit 'o entertaining.  

This weekend will be an especially prime opportunity for said pleasures as we prepare to bid farewell to the Summer Olympics for another four years.  I'm sharing a few links from around the web to make your weekend something special whether you opt to go it alone or enjoy with others.

So here's to the weekend...and, as always, to Happy Eating!

Have fun with dessert and throw a BYOP (Bring Your Own Pie) Social! (bonappetit.com) 

Wind down (or up!) with some great tunes.  Create your own mix or sample Tory Burch's Summer Getaway Playlist for variety. (ToryBurch.com)

Sleep in--and afterwards enjoy a decadent brunch. (MarthaStewart.com)

Make a date for afternoon tea at a local hotel or tea parlor!

Afternoon Tea

I'd been planning to get to it for a while -- like at least all of last year and this.  But calendar conflicts, busy schedules and other more 'top of mind' activities somehow kept me from it until recently.  Finally, the date was set, the reservations secured, and I would be enjoying Afternoon Tea with a long-time friend in a few, short days.

A first for us both, we were excited to do our catching up on such special terms.  And so, we braved the blustering wind chill and met for Afternoon Tea at the Four Seasons Hotel, Atlanta, for delicious mini bites of such favorites as buttermilk scones (served with lemon curd, jam and devonshire cream), chocolate-dipped strawberries, tea sandwiches, chocolate truffles--and more.  (Mouthwatering, I know.) 

And oh yeah, there was the tea.  We were presented with a case of several varieties of loose teas from which to choose for our sipping pleasure.  I landed on a tangerine tea that was bright and mellow all-in-one.  Quite refreshing.  My friend opted for a "fruit medley" of sorts as her choice.  I don't think there were any bad choices to be had, honestly.

Tea Service

With the holidays on our heels, it was a perfect way to take a breather and enjoy this festive time of year.  And the beautiful dining room of the Four Seasons provided the perfect backdrop.  What began as a new indulgence is now sure to become a standing tradition; a time for enjoying simple--yet special--pleasures.  I hope you're now inspired to consider doing the same. 

Happy Eating!