When the SconeLady Needs a Scone

Always Needed..

Often Rare

       http://www.flickr.com/photos/ugardener/2576646815/

It is all too true that the SconeLady has not mentioned a scone in this last long while. This is not meant to imply that the SconeLady does not think of them, and their fluffiness, and their potential for breathtaking creaminess! But I seem to be in a place that does not produce many. Of course, I can produce them myself but the real dream is to find a darling small tea shop somewhere in this sweet woodland town that will bake and serve them to me.

This has not happened.

Because I don't often find this luxury I must soon (if possible) wing my way back to all things Bright and wonderfully British. This Plan is in the making.

In the meantime I have a 'Simple Scone' recipe for you, found at Bake Like A Pro:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJQuLApwkfA

What I like about them is their simplicity, and tastiness. These scones do not require special talent or finesse, and anyone of us can make them successfully and yumm-ily. If that is a word. They are currently inside my oven, baking away at 350F. My husband hovers somewhere in the near vicinity, wonderful smells wafting outward toward him. Looks like Tea For Two is on the cards for tonight!

These are the ingredients you will need:

2 1/2 cups flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup chilled butter, cut in small cubes
1 cup milk
1 egg

Place flour in a medium size mixing bowl,  and add chilled butter. You might use a pastry cutter to incorporate the butter into the flour, but working it in by hand is an option too. When it has all been incorporated, the butter pieces should be about the size of peas.

Add all the other dry ingredients: sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix with a fork.

Mix the egg into the milk. Stir. 

Pour the milk/egg mixture into the dry ingredients. Take a fork and incorporate all the ingredients. Do not use mixer, for it would over-mix the dough.

Place dough onto floured surface and work it gently. Add a bit of flour if necessary.

Gently shape dough into a circle about 1 1/2 inch high. Cut into wedges, or use a round cookie cutter if you want round scones (this is my preference).

Place onto a shallow floured baking pan. Sprinkle sugar on top of each scone. I used white sparkling sugar but the recipe suggests course sugar from a bulk food store. 

Bake at 350 for 20 minutes (mine took longer, but it will depend upon your oven). Check for doneness and golden brownness. Best served with a fresh pot of tea, along with butter, jam (we used my mother-in-law's delicious Strawberry freezer jam) and, of course, cream! 

Tell me if you end up baking these and let me know how they turned out. As always, we here at SconeTherapy wish you a deliciously mouth-watering experience. 

Because tragically, one can't always find a darling small tea shop in one's own town. Unless, of course, you LIVE IN ENGLAND.  (hint. hint..)


See you along the way!
the SconeLady

The SconeLady enjoys

   Finished 'Plain Scones'

photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ugardener/2576646815/">UGArdener</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/">cc</a>