Here is a classic scone recipe that I found in one of my newest cookbooks (
The Complete Canadian Living Baking Book, 2008). There is actually a story behind the very scones you see in the picture... My Great-Uncle-in-law Bob was in the hospital recovering from a fall and I had one day gone to visit him to see how he was doing. We were having a really nice conversation and we started talking about one of my favourite subjects, food! I had asked him what kinds of baked goods he loved to eat and he simply answered, "I'm not sure what they're called but I love the triangular buttery bread". Being an avid baker I knew what he was talking about so I answered "oh, scones!" and he smiled at me, and answered "yes!". I asked him if he would like some freshly baked scones and he didn't say no and just smiled widely. I knew what that meant. The following week I baked a small batch of these and sent two along with a note with my husband to take to Uncle Bob. I heard from my hubby that he loved them! A couple weeks afterwards we sadly found out that he passed away in the hospital. I was so glad that I was able to give him even a moment of joy eating one of his favourite baked goods. That why I just love food, it brings out a smile in a all of us. Uncle Bob will be missed greatly, and whenever I bake these again I will fondly remember him, and envision his smile once again. This post is dedicated to this wonderful man.
Adapted from "Our Finest Buttermilk Scones" recipes from the Canadian Living: The Complete Canadian Living Baking Book, 2008.
Makes 12 scones
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F
Baking time: 18-20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2-1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp each: baking soda and salt
- zest of one lemon (optional)
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 egg
1. Preheat the oven to 400 F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside for now. In a large bowl, combine together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and lemon zest.
2. Using a pastry cutter, cut in the butter until it resembles a crumbly texture. The butter should be distributed throughout. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg, and then pour the wet mixture over the flour mixture. Stir with a fork until it comes together to form a soft dough.
3. With lightly floured hands, form the dough into a ball. Lightly flour the surface, and gently knead about 10 times. Pat out a 10 x 7-inch (25 x 18 cm) rectangle.
4. Cut the rectangle into 6 squares; then cut each diagonally in half. Place each onto the prepared baking pan. Then place it into the centre of the oven and bake it at 400 F until golden brown, or for 18-20 minutes. Let it cool a bit before taking the first delicious bite!
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