Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Savory Scones


Savory scones: the perfect winter food. Why? Well, homemade scones are light, tender, and heavenly. They're perfect steamy from the oven or chilly from the fridge. Scones are perfect for dunking in soups, sopping up gravies and sauces, building a sandwich or munching with salads. And best of all? Scones are silly easy to make and usually ready in half an hour, no kneading or machines necessary.

I dare you to find a better winter bread.


These are Cheddar Scallion Scones, a recipe I created by blending the richness of Ina Garten's Cheddar-Dill Scones with Farmgirl's Cheese and Scallion ones. Last night I had a tiny bit of cheddar cheese left in the fridge, along with three skinny scallions leftover from Saturday night's homemade fried rice binge. (The best thing about living alone? Indulging your crazy food cravings whenever you feel like it and not having to explain to anyone!)

So if you're interested - and really, you want to be - here's the recipe. I thought I'd share this one, since there probably wouldn't be as many takers for my favorite scone: Rosemary Blue Cheese with Honey.

Yeah, I thought so.


CHEDDAR SCALLION SCONES

3 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 heaping tablespoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
4 oz. (1/2 block) cream cheese, very soft
3 scallions, chopped (use green and white parts)
1 egg
1 cup heavy cream (or half-n-half or whole milk)


Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

In a large bowl, stir together flour, baking powder and salt. Add cheddar cheese and mix twice (or so) to coat cheese with flour. Fold in cream cheese until just barely mixed, then add scallions, tossing to coat. In separate bowl, lightly beat together egg and heavy cream (or whatever you have on hand; I usually use whole milk). Quickly add egg mixture to flour and cheese mixture and stir until just combined. (Don't work it to death. Rubbery scones are out this year.)

Dump dough onto floured counter and pat into a circle about 1 generous inch thick. Dip sharp knife in flour and cut into eight large triangles (as you would a slice of pizza). If desired, brush tops with butter or with an egg wash (1 egg plus 1 T. water, beaten together). Bake on baking sheet or stone lined with parchment paper for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown.

Serve hot from oven, or allow to cool and place in plastic bag or airtight container and refrigerate or freeze. Scones freeze beautifully.

That's it. Couldn't be much easier. I'm making a batch of Jalapeno Cheddar Scones to take my Dad today for New Year's Eve. There's no better way to get a stubborn old man to eat his scones. [laugh]

Last post of 2008. Wow. Thanks for spending time with me this year. May God bless our 2009! -Brin

19 comments:

Unknown said...

I'm making potato soup tonight, I think I'll make some of your yummy looking scones to go with it, thanks for sharing the recipe! Brin, I'm sure you do, but do you have the rights to your calendar or the photos at least so those sent back calendars won't end up on the black market! LOL You know what I mean.....Happy New Year! Looking forward to another Thrilling Life with you! Hugs!!

celaine53f@comcast.net said...

Looks yummy but you can count me IN with the Rosemary Bleu Cheese Scones, those sound even better!

Randi~Dukes and Duchesses said...

Yum ... I'll definitely try them. Share the other recipe too!

Tara said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Victoria said...

These look delish!

I was so sorry to read about the calendars. :(

Your post about Mr. Tony was so sweet and really touched my heart.

I hope your 2009 is a wonderful year filled with many delights.

Brin said...

I never know with you guys! :D

To make the Rosemary Blue Cheese Scones, simply replace the cheddar cheese in the posted recipe with 3/4 c. crumbled blue cheese. Toss in a small handful of fresh, chopped rosemary, too, before you add the egg and cream, stirring to coat. Bake as directed, then drizzle with honey as soon as they pop out of the oven. Divine.

Tara said...

YUMMO...looks like a great recipe. May have to try that. Happy New Year and a blessed one too!

MAK said...

Started following the blog in October and I can't begin to thank you enough for all the thoughts, words, recipes, pictures, (especially of dear sweet Millie!) & prayers that you have shared. God has given to you such a gift to inspire. I wish you, all of your loved ones, and fellow readers a Blessed, Messy,Thrilling & Happy 2009!

Patsy from Illinois said...

Brin,
I want to wish you a very blessed New Year. I am avid reader of your blog and I enjoy each and every idea you have. Give Millie some ear rubs from me. The scones look delicious.

Donna said...

I am going to make both versions this weekend. With some soup. Mmm! Sounds so good!

Rosa said...

They look good, I'll have to try them. Although not the one with te blue cheese! Shudder! :)
I am sorry that your calenders turned out to be so aggravating. I'm in no real hurry, January and Febuary are pretty quiet so feel free to send mine later if it helps.
God bless you in the year ahead!

Betty said...

Brin..the scones look delicious! God's blessings to you in the New Year!

Terri Steffes said...

I still have rosemary in my garden so you can count me in, too, as someone who might like the rosemary bleu cheese ones...

Southern Comfort said...

My son is bringing his girlfriend over to eat with us for the first time and I think I will make these scones. I will try the rosemary ones soon also, maybe when my mother is here because she loves rosemary. I love your blog-your pictures and your writing style. I am going to try the scarf, too. Oh, and those beautiful socks...!

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

Oh yummmmm!

And Oh sighhhhh.... Our oven has decided to 'go on strike.' And I'm not *in the mood* to buy a new one, at the drop of a hat.

We have to investigate many, and then... take the plunge. -sigh- 'Tis not the time to have to make a big purchase. But, 'tis the time to be able to bake. Decisions! Decisions! Decisions! :-)

Aunt Amelia
"We have had a lovely day. All the trees were covered with ice, and it shone like diamonds or fairy palaces," wrote Louisa May Alcott in her girlhood diary.

Meagan said...

Mmmmm... I love scones too, my mom makes the best! I have to say that the rosemary bleu cheese scones sound wonderful as well!!

Jessica said...

These look oh so yummy!

Country Chick said...

Those scones look to DIE For! I will have to give them a try, probably tomorrow with a big pot of hevenly stew or soup! Thanks Brin... your recipes always look so appealing!
Janine

Tammy said...

Brin, I have never made scones or even tasted one but yours looked really good so I made them last night with taco soup. They were delicious and made the kitchen smell wonderful.In fact I am eating one right now for lunch! Thanks for your inspiration. God bless you and Millie throughout the coming year.