Every once in a while, a friend will call to say she’s “stopping by for a coffee”.

Or, alternatively, I might invite friends for a very impromptu brunch. In both cases, I used to need to run out to buy something to serve…

Now, I simply make Scones!

Filling and very impressive-looking, Scones are simple to make and can be used for both sweet and savory. For example, Chocolate Chip Scones are the perfect accompaniment for that coffee date, while Dill & Cheddar Scones elevate your scrambled eggs into a true brunch meal. Once you learn the technique for how to make these Scones, you can use any filling you like.

While my recipe for Chocolate Chip Scones is below, here’s what you need to know about the technique:

• All your ingredients need to be very cold. After dicing your butter, put it back into the refrigerator to chill before incorporating it into the recipe.
• Do not mix the ingredients – simply “fluff” by using your hands (with gloves) to scoop up from the bottom.
• To add the butter, use your hands to scoop the flour onto the butter and, with your fingertips, break the butter down into pea-sized pieces.
• You may not need to use all your liquid – add a bit, then add your filling and then add more liquid but keep watching the consistency. Once you have large lumps that can be brought together into one large “patty”, stop adding liquid.

MAKE YOUR OWN RECIPE

Now that you know the technique, what fillings might you use to make your own recipe?

FOR SWEET SCONES

• Fresh fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and oranges are perfect
• Dried fruits such as raisins, cherries, apricots or cranberries add great chewiness
• Nuts such as hazelnuts or almonds increase their heartiness
• And flavorings such as maple syrup or espresso powder would make them extra special

FOR SAVORY SCONES

• Any sauteed vegetables such as mushrooms, shallots, peppers, asparagus or leeks would be great additions.
• Incorporating herbs such as chives, thyme, basil, rosemary or parsley would add another dimension of flavor
• Meaty bites of crisp bacon, prosciutto or chorizo would make them heartier
• And, of course, most any cheese would make them irresistible

You get the idea… Now, make your own recipes!

CHOCOLATE CHIP SCONES

DRY INGREDIENTS:

• 13 oz. –  AP flour
• 1.5 oz – Sugar
• .5 oz – Baking powder
• 1 tsp – Salt
• 6 oz – Butter (diced)
• Chocolate chips (to taste – I use approximately 1 cup but make them as rich as you like!)

LIQUID INGREDIENTS:

• 4 oz – Egg (1 whole plus yolks)
• 5 oz – Buttermilk or Heavy Cream

METHOD:

1. Preheat oven to 400*
2. Combine dry ingredients and by hand, cut in the butter until pea-sized
3. Add a bit of the liquid
4. Add the chocolate chips
5. Add more liquid until large lumps begin to form and you’re able to bring the dough together into one large “patty”- DO NOT OVERMIX
6. Cut into portion sizes
7. Brush each scones with a bit of the remaining liquid to help them brown
8. Bake on a parchment-lined baking sheet until golden brown (approximately 20 minutes)