subject: How to make scones - It just takes practice and is easier using scone mixes [print this page] How to make scones - It just takes practice and is easier using scone mixes
Everyone should know how to make scones...
You have a choice to either make them from scratch or use a mix.
There is nothing like a warm tender scone in the morning. To make them you
can always go with any of a number of mixes. This will allow you to have light
and flaky scones without having to try to get the right mix of ingredients entirely
on your own.
What are scones?
They are delicious pastries that are most often served at breakfast, but are delicious any time with tea or coffee. They are especially popular in England but can be found around the world in many forms. They are a fast growing item in America as well. Some Bakeries, delis and bed & Breakfasts are beginning to serve them to the delight of their customers and guest.
Traditional scones are easy to make and many recipes build off of the basic method for baking that you are about to learn. Most of the recipes you will find flavours like orange, orange cranberry, blueberry, apricot and cream that find their beginnings in this basic scone mix.
Basic Ingredients
As stated earlier, you can always turn to scone baking mixes for a little help but this really isn't necessary. You can make English scones that are quick and easy with a basic recipe. It is in dry ingredients such as baking powder, that plain scones find their start.
Typical dry ingredients include baking powder, baking soda, sugar, salt, and flour although you may even find variations on these basic ingredients. Milk or buttermilk, eggs, and butter are also involved. Before you begin the work, you will want to preheat your oven so that it is ready when your dough is.
The Mixing Process
These simple scones are made by mixing the dry ingredients together first and then cutting the butter into this dry mixture. When the butter is cut in cold instead of merely being mixed in, then it maintains a form of small lumps which help to make them light and flaky when they are done baking.
The milk or buttermilk and eggs are separately mixed and then added to the butter and dry ingredients. This mixing is continued until the resulting dough is somewhat lumpy.
It is important to note that you do not want to mix your dough too much or your they could turn out tough. This is a technique that is perfected with practice. The dough is cut into triangles and is then placed onto a baking sheet to complete the scone making process.
These easy delicacies can be made by anyone who wants to learn how to make them. The specifics are left out because everywhere you go they are made a little bit differently. If you want to replicate that scone that you had in one location then you will want to get your hands on that local recipe.
Using Scone Mixes
Mixes are my method of choice! If you eat scones on a regular basis you will realize that having a quick and easy preparation method is very important.
Usually this method asks you to cut in cold butter and add the mix package to your mixing bowl. Blend those two items together.
Pour 1 cup of milk into a measuring cup add an egg, then blend with a fork. Pour this mixture over the mix in the bowl and blend with a large spoon. Scoop a spoonful and put it into a scone pan or drop it on an ungreased cookie sheet.
Put them into the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes.
