Scones are a small, single serve, cake-like bread that is believed to have originated from Scotland. The first mention of a scone was from a translation of “The Aeniaid” (1513) by a Scottish poet named Gavin Douglas.
Usually the scone is triangular but may be round like a biscuit. Today they can be made in any shape. This recipe makes them triangular which is a really fun shape. I use this recipe when teaching culinary students about how to maximize the use of space on a cookie sheet.
Scones are in the same group as the crumpet or muffin. Usually scones are made of wheat, barley, or oatmeal and baking powder to make it rise. This is a quick bread. Why pay $2.95 for each scone when it costs only $.50 cents to make it yourself and you can make a whole bunch of them and freeze them.
Scones may have raisins, currants, cheese, or dates in them. How about cranberries, chocolate chips or nuts?
I chose this combination of blueberry with lemon glaze because truly this makes your taste buds sing! Also half of the sugar has been removed from the base recipe making it a healthier choice option, as was the addition of blueberries that are nutrient dense and delicious.
Sift together the dry ingredients; the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
Using 2 forks or a pastry blender, cut in the butter to coat the pieces with the flour. The mixture should look like coarse crumbs.
Make a well in the center and pour in the heavy cream. Fold everything together just to incorporate; do not overwork the dough.
Fold the blueberries into the dough. Take care not to mash or bruise the blueberries because their strong color will bleed into the dough making the scone look strange.
Lightly press the dough out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 12 by 3 by 1 1/4 inches. Cut the rectangle in 1/2 then cut the pieces in 1/2 again, giving you 4 (3-inch) squares. Cut the squares in 1/2 on a diagonal to give you the classic triangle shape.
Place the scones on an ungreased cookie sheet and brush the tops with a little heavy cream.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until beautiful and brown. Let the scones cool a bit before you apply the glaze.
Lemon Glaze
Mix the lemon juice and confectioners' sugar together in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
Add the lemon zest and butter.
Microwave it for 30 seconds on high.
Whisk the glaze to smooth out any lumps, and then drizzle the glaze over the top of the scones. Let glaze set a minute before serving.
Notes
Equipment needed for this recipe are:2 forks or pastry blender
Parchment paper or flexible cutting board
Pastry brush
Ruler Whisk
Oven mitts
Medium sized bowl
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Wooden spoon or spatula
Baking sheet or cake pan
Adult supervision
