Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Cranberry Orange Scones

Pin It Has anyone noticed I haven't posted in almost a week? I guess not. :) Well, I haven't.

While I have been visiting as many blogs as possible, I just have not been able to post anything this last week!You see, both my laptop and my internet enabled phone decided to call it quits at the same time. I think they planned it! And while they sit happily in the repair shop, I have no option but to use the desktop computer, and this chair gives me a horrid backache! And the spare phone I'm using (and I am grateful for the phone!), does not connect to the internet.So until my laptop returns, you won't be hearing from The Harried Cook as much!

Yesterday was one of those days. I just HAD to bake. I didn't care what. I just had the need to bake. I did a quick inventory of what was available in my limited pantry, and Googled some combinations that made sense to me. This scone recipe from Ina Garten was one of the first to show up. To  be honest, I have not had very good experiences with scones. Well, I haven't eaten that many scones in my life, but the ones I have eaten haven't been very good. So I was quite nervous trying this out.

This recipe was a pleasant surprise! Great flavors, flaky crumbly texture, only mildly sweet, and the yummy glaze made it just perfect! I made only half the recipe, and still ended up with more scones than I needed. Next time I'll try half of this.
Cranberry Orange Scones
Adapted from Ina Garten's recipe on Food Network

Ingredients
250g (2 cups) all-purpose flour (plus 2 tablespoon)
30g (1/8 cup) sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
Zest of 1 orange
175g butter, cold & diced
3 medium eggs, beaten lightly
120ml (1/2 cup) heavy cream
1/2 cup chopped dried cranberries
Demerara sugar, or additional granulated sugar, for sprinkling

Method
1. Preheat the oven to 400.
2. Combine 250g of flour, the sugar, baking powder, salt and the orange zest in your mixer bowl. Stir to combine.
3. Add the diced butter, and run the mixer on the lowest setting till most of the mixture resembles breadcrumbs, with some larger bits of butter.
4. Remove 2 tbsp of the beaten egg mixture into a smaller bowl and set aside to use as egg wash.
5. Into the remaining egg, stir in the cream, mixing until combined.
6. Pour this egg-cream mixture into the flour mixture, and continue mixing on 'low' until the dough just comes together. It will be lumpy, but that's just fine!
7. Stir the additional 2 tbsp of flour with the cranberries in a bowl. Add this mixture into the dough and stir in until the cranberries are evenly distributed. Don't over-mix.
8. Turn the dough out onto a well floured surface. Roll out the dough about 3/4 inch thick. You might see bits of butter peeking out of the dough, but that's just fine.
9. Cut into circles using a round cookie cutter. Transfer the circles to a baking tray/dish.
10. Gather the remaining dough, roll out, and cut into scones. Continue until you've used up all the dough.
11. Add about a teaspoon of water to the reserved 2 tbsp of egg. Use this mixture to brush the tops of all the scones.
12. Sprinkle the scones with plain or demerara sugar, and bake about 20-25 minutes, until the tops are golden brown, and scones feel firm to the touch.
13. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool on the tray for about 15 minutes.
14. Transfer to a wire rack to cool, and drizzle over with the fresh orange glaze.
Fresh Orange Glaze 
Ingredients

1/2 cup + 2 tbsp powdered sugar
4 tsp freshly squeezed orange juice
1/4 tsp orange zest

Method
1. Combine all the ingredients, and stir until smooth and lump-free.
2. Add more sugar or juice to adjust the consistency, if desired.

The flavors of cranberry and orange really work well together. And while I've always eaten scones with jam and cream, or butter and jam, I didn't need that extra sweetness with these scones because of the glaze. It added just the right amount of sweetness. 

After dropping the jam, I felt it would be just plain wrong to drop the tea too. After all, tea and scones are made for each other. And while I am not a big tea or coffee drinker, I decided to respect the scone and made myself a hot cup of strawberry-mango tea. And after settling my little girl down for her late afternoon nap, I settled myself on the couch with a cup of tea, a scone (okay, okay, I had two!), and a good book. It was a wonderful afternoon!

I must report, as I always do, that everyone enjoyed this recipe - my husband, my daughter and the dog. Jerry gave it four barks, and that's a pretty high rating! 
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62 comments:

Jennifurla said...

well I hope it all gets resolved soon, these scones are gorgeous.

ping said...

These look great! Like you, I haven't had many good scones but these look too tempting not to give it a try ... and I have all the ingredients in my pantry. It's a sign! Thanks for sharing.

Lynne Feifer said...

Thanks for visiting me!  I have to admit I'm a wee bit jealous that you've been able to take some time off even if it wasn't planned.  It is very aggravating when technology decides to quit working.  It's always a definite test of patience.  Just remember to breathe...oh, and bake.  ;-)
The scones look yummy!

Jackie Hale said...

I've noticed but I assumed you were on vacation. I have to admit, I've never tasted a scone. Yours looks delicious and very tempting! Good work.. Jackie

Alina - ExploraCuisine said...

These look awesome, I've never tried making scones before, but it seems I should try :) have a great week!

KimBee said...

The dog rating was priceless. I laughed like a lunatic. Hope you get everything fixed. I have to use our desktop this week as all my pics are there I want to post to the blog. And the scanner is there too and it is not wireless. I have a comfy chair but I still hate the idea of being chained to one room. These are gorgeous scones. I am not usually a fan either but look fluffy. Most are too dense. Great job on these.

feedthebf said...

Isn't it funny how we seem "lost" when our electronics are on the fritz?  But glad to have you back for this lovely post!  And great to know that this scone attempt was a major success - because it sounds delicious!

Kathleen S said...

This look over the top delish!  I adore Ina's recipes.  If Jerry gives it 4 barks then I'm totally in!!!!

Dee Hurter said...

These are beautiful scones! I haven't made very many scones in my life but I would make this one!  Sorry to hear about your computer/phone issues.  Look at it as an opportunity to take a break from technology!

Adora Ding said...

Delectable scones. I love fruity scones especially when they've just come out of the oven. This would be lovely with clotted cream.

FreeSpiritEater said...

I'm not a big fan of scones but I think you might have convinced me lol. I had bad experiences with dry scones, but yours look moist and delicious. Great photos, thanks for sharing! I'm going to stop by your pomegranate pound cake post, even my fiance (a picky chef) loves the sound of it. =] 

Baking Serendipity said...

I didn't like scones until I started making my own, and while they're still not something I'd like everyday, they've definitely grown on me. Yours look delicious! Technology frustrates me so when it isn't working! I hope your issues are resolved soon :)

SpicieFoodie said...

Oh no, so sorry to hear about the technical problems :( Technology is great but also such a pain. I hope you have your laptop back soon. There is something just very comforting about baking. I love these scones! Can imagine how great the cranberry and orange paired together. Yum!
(BTW, yes you can do a baked or any type of recipe for the giveaway. Can't wait to see what you submit:) ) 

Inside a British Mum's Kitchen said...

Such a bore when technical things go wrong!  The scones look wonderful - I think cranberry orange is my very favorite flavor!
Mary

Maris Callahan said...

These are a great way to return, They look so delicious! Scones are a favorite of mine1

Mary@One Perfect Bite said...

Her recipes always seem to work. You've done a wonderful job with them. They really look delicious and I'd love to have one with my coffee. I hope you have a great day. Blessings...Mary

Nami @ Just One Cookbook said...

It must be so nice to have the feeling that "you have to bake".  I am always "I need to eat something baked" but never the other way around... Your scones look delicious!  I LOVE scones.  Both cranberries and orange seems like a good match.  The photos are beautiful too!!! 

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Gwenevere Bland said...

I haven't noticed that you have posted because I haven't posted. I'm so behind...what happened to my lazy summer?

Kitchen Belleicious said...

they look absolutely delicious. Mouth watering and beautiful. Now if only I could somehow manage you take them from the computer and stuff them in my mouth!

Jill Colonna said...

I noticed!  I missed you, but loved looking at that pomegranate pound cake.  These scones look scrumptious but you mean to say you had some left over?  Oh, it's at times like this I wish I could just hop on over for a taste...

elisabeth@foodandthriftfinds said...

Marsha-I love your orange-cranberry scones...so pretty, and the combination is so incredible and inviting. Great recipe, and beautiful photos, as well!
Thank you so much. I just received the giveaway Jill's amazing Mad about Macarons book. Beautiful book, I love it!
I put your blog in my side-bar list, so I can remember to just click to see your latest post. So sorry about your technical problems. I've been using my daughter's computer since I was staying there...mine has some issues, as well, especially with Google, and Blogger:((

spcookiequeen said...

We missed you, I think everyone is so busy because it's summer.  Lovely scones, would have gone perfectly with my tea this morning.
-Gina-

Chef Dennis said...

I have to say those look better than any scones I have ever had!  you can always count on Ina for a great recipe.  That glaze really pushes it over the top too! Yummmmmy!

Hester Casey - Alchemy said...

Hehehe! A four bark rating is high praise indeed. These scones look beautiful. Love the glaze.

Magic of Spice said...

Sorry about your phone and laptop issues...hope they are back to normal soon. These scones however would make me feel better...wonderful flavor combination!

Erin @ Making Memories said...

I've never made scones but these look amazing.  I just might have to try to make them!  

theharriedcook said...

Thank you! :) I hope so too!

theharriedcook said...

It was pretty amazing how I had everything I needed in my pantry, too... And some of the ingredients, I had the exact amount needed. :) Thanks for stopping by...

theharriedcook said...

Thanks for the encouragement & for stopping by, Lynne! :) And oh yes, thank God for baking! :)

theharriedcook said...

Thanks for noticing, Jackie! :) I wish I was on vacation! :) This scone recipe is pretty nice... Thanks for stopping by & for the sweet comment :)

theharriedcook said...

Thank you, Alina! :) I hope you have a great week too! Thanks for stopping by!

theharriedcook said...

LOL :D I'll tell you a little secret - he is really a pig. He'll eat ANYTHING! :) But these scones were very good... Technology, huh? Can't live with it, can't live without it! Thanks for the kind words about the scones :) And thanks for stopping by!

theharriedcook said...

I know! We're slaves to the machine :) The scones were really lovely! Thanks for stopping by, Peggy!

theharriedcook said...

:) LOL... Jerry is the easiest critic to please, but these scones were very good! Thanks for stopping by :)

theharriedcook said...

Thank you, Dee! I did enjoy a break... Technology still has issues, but I'm back :) Thanks for stopping by!

theharriedcook said...

Yummy... They would be perfect eaten warm with clotted cream! They're all gone now and I want one! :) Thanks for stopping by!

theharriedcook said...

Exactly my experience with scones too, but Ina didn't disappoint with this recipe :) Thank you for your thoughtful comment :) and I hope you and your picky chef like the pound cake! :)

theharriedcook said...

I guess they are best made at home... like most other things, right :) Yes - the technology is getting on my nerves! It will all be fixed soon :) Thanks for stopping by!

theharriedcook said...

Thank you :) Orange and cranberry really work well together! I hope I get past all these technology issues and that I am able to submit something! Thanks for stopping by!

theharriedcook said...

A bore, indeed! :) Thanks for the thoughtful comment, Mary! Cranberry & orange are so good together, right? :) Thanks for stopping by!

theharriedcook said...

After trying this recipe, they are starting to become one of my favorites too! :) Thanks, Maris!

theharriedcook said...

Yes, I love Ina's recipes :) Thank you for your kind words, Mary! I hope you have a wonderful week.. Thanks for stopping by!

theharriedcook said...

LOL :D I actually hardly eat the stuff I make. Especially the sweets. I have a crazy sweet tooth, but more for candy and other unhealthy stuff :) LOL... Thanks for the sweet comment, Nami! I love cranberry & orange! Thanks for stopping by!

theharriedcook said...

Thank you so much... And thanks for stopping by!

theharriedcook said...

LOL... I know what you mean! :)

theharriedcook said...

I wish I could send you a few :) Thanks for the encouraging comment! And thanks for stopping by :)

theharriedcook said...

You're so sweet to have noticed! :) I did have a few left over, but we polished them off for breakfast the next morning. Jerry had one scone all to himself :) I wish you could come over too... because that would mean I was close enough to sample some macarons :) Thanks for stopping by, Jill! :)

theharriedcook said...

Thank you for your kind words, Elisabeth! I really appreciate :) I am so glad you received your copy of the book... It's gorgeous, isn't it ? :) I know how hard it is to use someone else's computer... Not fun! I hope both our issues get resolved soon! Thanks for stopping by :)

theharriedcook said...

Yes, it seems to be a really busy time! :) Thank you for your comment, and for stopping by, Gina!

theharriedcook said...

Thanks, Chef Dennis! Ina's recipes really are great... Thanks for your encouraging words! 

theharriedcook said...

:D LOL... very high praise! :) Thanks for your encouraging comment, and for stopping by, Hester!

theharriedcook said...

It is an awesome combination, isn't it? I love Ina's recipes! :) I hope my technology issues get resolved soon too! Thank you for stopping by! :)

theharriedcook said...

Thank you, Erin! They were pretty yummy... Thanks for stopping by!

Xiaolu @ 6 Bittersweets said...

These flavors go so well together.  I'd love a bite of these scrumptious scones!

Rachel {eaternal bliss} said...

Marsha - These are gorgeous and look sooo delicious!  I'm sorry to hear about your computer (and now your backache!).  I've been having issues with my computer lately, too.  It's frustrating trying to work and get things done when the computer is acting quirky.

And I love that your dog gave this scone 4 barks!  I never give my dog baked treats ... she doesn't know what she's missing.  :)  I hope your back feels better soon.  I'll pray that it does (I have 4 herniated discs so I'm no stranger to back pain and how frustrating it can be).

*hugs*
Rachel

Amanda said...

such pretty pictures! And the flavor combination... YUM!!!!! have a nice day!

Amanda
softandstiffpeaks.blogspot.com

Kate Harries said...

What delicious sounding scones- I'm definately adding these to my 'To-Bake' list (which gets bigger by the minute when looking at everyone's great blogs!)

theharriedcook said...

Thank you, Xiaolu... They flavors really are a match made in heaven :) Thanks for stopping by!

theharriedcook said...

Thank you, Rachel! :) Computer issues are so hard to work around... Yes, our little fellow eats everything we eat. We know it's not good for him, but that's all his previous owners gave him, and now he only wants what we eat. Wow... 4 herniated discs... Sounds awful...Hope it isn't bothering you anymore! My back is much, much better now, thanks! :) Hugs, Marsha

theharriedcook said...

Thank you, Amanda! That's very sweet of you :) I hope you have a great day too!

theharriedcook said...

I know what you mean! My list of 'to bake things' is growing at an alarming rate too! I hope you try these scones... they're really good! Thanks for stopping by, Kate!

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