Scones

Scones, these tender and buttery delights, have a long-standing tradition of being served with fine marmalades, jams, and thick English “clotted” cream during teatime. These delicate, tinless muffins offer a delightful experience, whether you’re enjoying them as a part of an elegant tea party or as a comforting treat. If you don’t have cake flour on hand, don’t worry; you can use 100 percent all-purpose flour for equally delicious results.

YIELDS 12 SCONES

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups cake flour
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup sugar
• 4 ounces (1 stick) butter, cut into pieces the size of a hazelnut
• 4 ounces (1 stick) margarine, cut into pieces the size of a hazelnut
• ¾ cup currants or raisins (optional)
• 2 eggs
• About ½ cup milk

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the cake flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar until the mixture becomes fluffy and well combined.
2. Add the butter and margarine pieces to the dry ingredients. Use your hands to mix them in, gently pinching the flour between your fingers to coat it with the fats. Continue mixing until the flour takes on the color of the butter and forms clumps. There should still be some small nuggets of butter and margarine throughout the mixture. If you’d like, this is the time to add currants or raisins for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until they are well combined. Pour this egg mixture into the flour mixture, and use your hands or a wooden spoon to gently combine the two. Be careful not to overmix, as it can make the batter tough. The batter’s consistency should be similar to that of oatmeal. If needed, you can add a bit more milk to achieve the desired texture.
4. On an oiled sheet pan, drop the batter into 12 scones. Bake them on the top shelf of the oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until they are set and lightly golden.
5. For an extra touch of color and flavor, you can briefly flash the scones under the broiler for a moment to brown the tops. Keep a close eye on them to avoid over-browning.

These scones are a delightful treat for any occasion, whether you’re enjoying them with a classic tea service or as a special addition to your morning routine. Their tender, buttery texture and subtle sweetness make them the perfect canvas for your favorite jams, preserves, or clotted cream. Enjoy these scones warm and fresh out of the oven for the ultimate taste experience.

Whether you opt for fine marmalades, jams, or the indulgent clotted cream, these scones are versatile enough to be enjoyed in various settings. Whether you’re hosting a tea party or simply treating yourself to a cozy morning ritual, these scones are sure to elevate the experience. So, bake a batch, savor the warm aroma, and enjoy these timeless treats that bridge the gap between tradition and modern indulgence.