Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Orange Scented Scones

Oh, I cannot tell you enough how much I am enjoying “The Sweet Melissa Baking Book”. This time around, I made the Orange Scented Scones. I just adore any baked goodie that I can have at breakfast. In my world, a naked cupcake counts as a muffin. However, these scones are just perfect for those lazy days that include the newspaper and an endless pot of coffee.

First off, the recipe makes only 6 scones, which is perfect for small families (example: Mr. Gigi Cakes & I). Second, I was intrigued at the addition of oat flour. I was worried that the scones would have an oatmeal taste to them but I was a worrywart for nothing. The scones were tender and flaky just like a well-baked biscuit. The hint of orange added a nice citrus note.

The recipe also has suggested fresh/dry fruit add-ins and how to adjust the liquids if using fresh fruit. I just love all the tips that are in the book. They are really helpful especially if one is baking something unfamiliar. Well, I’m off to drool over which recipe to bake next.

The Sweet Melissa Baking Book
Orange Scented Scones: Makes 6

8 tablespoons of cold unsalted butter
½ cup of oat flour
1 ½ cups of AP flour
2 teaspoon of baking powder
½ teaspoon of kosher salt
1 tablespoon of sugar
2 teaspoons of freshly grated orange zest
2/3 cup heavy cream
1 large egg



For the Glaze:

2 tablespoons of heavy cream
1 tablespoon of sugar

Place the rack in the center oven. Preheat the oven to 350F degrees. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.

Cut the cold butter into ½ inch pieces. Keep cold.

Place the oat flour in the bowl of a food processor. Add the AP flour, baking powder, salt, sugar , and zest, and pulse to combine. Add the cold butter pieces and pulse until the size of medium peas.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream and egg until smooth. Fold the flour into the egg mixture and combine. Don’t over mix.

Turn the dough out into a little floured surface and pat into 7-inch circle. Using a sharp knife cut the circle into 6 wedges (even triangles). Place them at least 2-inches apart on the cookie sheet.

Brush the scones with the heavy cream and then sprinkle the sugar on top.

Bake for 30 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove to a wire rack and cool.

25 comments:

marae said...

These look tasty...homemade scones are wonderful. I have the Sweet Melissa book on my list. Just have to hit BUY.

BTW...besides this book, do you have another fave baking or cupcake book?

Katie said...

Wow that cookery book is certainly getting good reviews on the blogsphere and from the look of these scones I can see why.
As you say, great for that lazy breakfast.

Deborah said...

Woo hoo!! I just received my copy in the mail today. I'm so excited to try it out - and this sounds like a perfect recipe to start with!

My Sweet & Saucy said...

I am obsessed with her book too! The scones look soooo yummy!

eatme_delicious said...

Yummm!! I do not eat enough scones.

Mari said...

I just love orange scones! I'm going to put this book on my birthday list, because every recipe I've see from it looks delicious!

grace said...

i've never understood why some recipes are titled as "orange-scented whatchamacallit" or "lemon-scented thingymabob." so it smells like orange or lemon, that's great, but can you taste it? surely you can, so why not just call the dishes "orange whatchamacallit" and "lemon thingymabob"?

it's things like this that keep me up at night. :)

Rosie said...

Oh those scones do look so deliciously yummy! I just adore homemade scones Oooooh and another book I must look up heehee...

Rosie x

Anonymous said...

I've been looking for a good scone recipe. I'm going to give these a try. They look absolutely fabulous!!

Gigi said...

Dear Mara,

...Yes, I have tons of baking books! The very first book I bought as an adult was the "King Arthur's Bakers Companion". It's a LARGE baking encyclopedia and covers most of the basics. For example, when the Daring Bakers made the Yule Log, it was a genoise type cake and King Arthur covers the subject with step by step with diagrams. It's a great book to learn and master baking techniques. The book offers basic "master" recipes in just about any subject. I tend to bake and research from that book. I consider it a baking tool. Don't let the lack of fancy photos deter you, the book is filled with instructional diagrams instead. This book is the back bone of Gigi Cakes. I hope this helps.

jasmine said...

This is a lovely book, isn't it? I'm working my way though a few recipes...thus far I'm very happy with the results. I'll post about it in a bit

j

test it comm said...

Orange scones...mmm... They would smell good while baking. The use of the oat flour sounds interesting.

marae said...

Thanks Gigi, I just saw that at Borders yesterday but hadn't read your post yet. I will def check it out, I do need to build from the ground up!!

Patricia Scarpin said...

Gigi, these scones are fabulous. I have read so many wonderful things about that book on the blogs!

Silvia - Magnolia Wedding Planner said...

Hi gigi! First time for me visiting your blog and I find it really wonderful. a very pleasent lecture and truly great recipes!
I'll come again to see you if you don't mind.
Silvia

Sarah said...

Mmmmm...scones! I love making scones nearly as much as I enjoy eating them. And I love oat in my scone...these look perfect for my next scone baking session!

Cookie baker Lynn said...

Mmmm, scones....what a great way to start the day. These look perfectly delicious.

Annemarie said...

I've never used oat flour either but am interested in trying it. The orange scenting sounds light and breakfast-citrusy, like a bit of OJ not just in the glass.

Anonymous said...

Oh I can almost smell them from the screen! Looks perfect, Gigi.

Can I say just how cute it is that you said "Mr. Gigi Cakes & I"? I don't know why, but that made me go "awwwww..." Hehe :P

LizNoVeggieGirl said...

orange-scented scones?!?! I'll take leftovers, please ;0)

Maria♥ said...

Oh Gigi, your scones looks so delish! I must check this book out too ;o)

Maria
x

LyB said...

I am so into citrus this week, these look amazing! I've been seeing that book everywhere, another one to add to my wishlist! :)

Maria♥ said...

Hi Gigi, I hope you don't mind but I've tagged you for a 6 word memoir. Check my blog for the details ;o)

Maria
x

Tempered Woman said...

hmm, must resist another cookbook. Why do you tempt me internetz!?!
dagnabbit- it just hopped right into my wishlist when I wasn't looking.
Scones look great. Thanks for the head's up on the oatmeal flour, was wondering same thing.

Helene said...

Have not made her scones yet, but with such good reviews I know what to make for sunday brunch!