cream

Maple Raisin Scones

Scones, either you get them or you don’t. It’s like jazz. I love ’em both. I was trying to explain them to my kids, “They’re kind of like a cross between a cookie and a biscuit, a muffin-cracker…” I appreciate their dryer and less sweet nature. I love that you can load them with fun dried fruits and citrus zests. And of course I think anything that complements my cup of coffee is pretty fantastic.

As organic as possible:

1 cup Whole wheat flour

1 cup Flour

2 tsp Baking powder

2 Tbsp Sugar

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup Butter (cold), cut into cubes

1/2 cup (rounded) dried Raisins

1 1/2 Tbsp Lemon zest

1 Egg

3 Tbsp Maple Syrup

3/4 cup Cream

 

Preheat the oven to 375°.

Whisk the dry ingredients; whole wheat flour, flour, baking powder, sugar, salt. Using a pastry blender or two table knives cut the butter into the dry mixture until it resembles pea sized crumbs. Add the raisins and zest, toss until evenly distributed.

In a small bowl whisk the egg. Add the maple syrup and continue to whisk until blended. Pour in the cream and whisk a little more.

Add the egg mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently stir until all is combined. Then place the dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape into a rectangle. (An oval will do fine, just try to cut even pieces.) Using a dough lift or knife, cut the dough in half lengthwise and across the center width making 4 small rectangles. Then cut those small rectangles in half through the width (making 8 squares). Next cut diagonally from corner to corner (making 16 triangles). Use the lift and place the triangles onto a Silpat or parchment lined baking sheet. Bake 20-25 minutes. Until the bottom is just browning.

Enjoy warm with cream… and a cup of coffee.

Adapted from Brown Eggs and Jam Jars Make Ahead Currant Scones

The Chef’s Creme Brulee

Creme Brulee is Owen’s all time favorite dessert. And I can’t argue with fabulous. It’s sweet, it’s creamy, it’s got a little sugary crunch… I could probably eat it on a regular basis. And despite its sophistication, it is actually not difficult to make. This recipe is from The Chef (aka my sister); if I can do it, you can do it.

Makes 7-9

2 cups heavy cream

1 cup milk, divided

1/2 vanilla bean

6 egg yolks

1/2 cup sugar

Strawberries and blueberries for topping (optional)

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. In a mixing bowl combine 1/2 cup milk, sugar and egg yolks. Set aside. Cut the vanilla bean in half (down the center) and scrape the seeds our of the bean pod with the point of the knife. Combine the vanilla beans, the vanilla pod, cream and the remaining 1/2 cup milk in a saucepan. Bring to a roiling boil. Remove boiling cream mixture from heat and temper with egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly (To temper: Add a little of the boiling mixture, whisking all the while, to egg mixture to get it to avoid curdling before adding the rest.) Return tempered mixture to the saucepan and continue cooking 1 more minute. Remove from heat and strain using a fine mesh sieve. Pour cream mixture evenly into the ramekins. Bake in a water bath (place ramekins in a baking dish with sides and surround them with water about half way up the sides of the ramekins) until a toothpick inserted comes out clean, and center is almost set, about 30 – 45 minutes.

Let the cream cool before spreading a thin, even layer of sugar on the top. Using a torch, evenly flame the sugar until brown and bubbly; creating a crust (brulee) on the top of your cream (creme).

Side note: I am also aware of people scorching their sugar in the oven, with a broiler. (But I have no experience with that.)

Place sliced strawberries and fresh blueberries on the top before serving if desired. Congratulations! Now you get to eat!

Another Side note: These can be made in advance. You can chill the desserts in the refrigerator ahead of time until ready to serve.