I come from bagels, not scones. In fact, not until Starbucks do I think I’d ever seen, much less tasted a scone. I tried my hand at them. They’re a cinch to make, adaptable to all sorts of innovations, and make a pretty gift when you are visiting or simply want to offer someone a perk-me-up treat.

Here’s the recipe.

INGREDIENTS

3 cups all-purpose flour (I use King Arthur. Good flour, good company.)
1/2 cup white sugar                                                                                                         5 tsp baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup butter (keep it in fridge till you’re ready to use)
1 egg, beaten
1 cup milk

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 400º F.
Lightly grease a baking sheet. (I use parchment paper; instead; less mess. )
In a large bowl combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.
Slice the butter into slender pats and cut it into the flour mixture  till it’s crumbly. If you don’t have a pastry blender, use two knives and “crosscut” them through the mixture to incorporate the butter into the dry ingredients.
Mix the egg and milk together in a small bowl. Stir into the flour mixture until moistened.
Turn dough out on a lightly floured surface and knead briefly. Roll dough into a 1/2″ thick round. Cut into 8 wedges and place on your baking sheet.
Bake 15 minutes in your preheated oven or until golden brown.

OPTIONS

I divide the dough into two balls, roll them out and cut each circle into 8 wedges. The more scones the merrier. Before kneading, add dried fruit, nuts, chocolate bits, whatever your tastebuds direct.  Want savory scones? Add a healthy handful of shredded cheddar, olives and rosemary before you knead the dough. Magic!

If you make these and have your own twist, share in the comments below.

Bon appetit.

Image courtesy of Katrin Gilger. Apple-Oatmeal-Scones is licenced under Creative Commons.