Ultimate Scones

Scones are one of my favorite types of bread. Scones are easy to make, and I love the flexibility in being able to create different flavors whether savory or sweet. To make scones, you do not need any special equipment, just a bowl, and your fingers. The ingredients for scones are also very basic pantry items. The fillings or flavors are as endless as your imagination. Plus, it is a great way to add any leftovers you have a little bit of this and a little bit of that.

Zucchini Cheese Scones (Serves 8)

2 ½ cups Flour

1 Tablespoons Baking Powder

½ teaspoon Baking Soda

½ teaspoon Salt

½ cup Butter, cold and in small pieces

1 cup Zucchini, grated

¾ cup Cheddar Cheese, grated

¼ cup Parmesan Cheese, grated

2 tablespoons Thyme, fresh

2 tablespoons Chives, fresh, finely chopped

1 cup Heavy Cream, plus

2 Tablespoons for brushing tops of scones

1. In a large bowl, add all the dry ingredients, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk all the ingredients together to evenly incorporate.

2. Add butter to the dry ingredients and begin to break the butter down with your fingers until it resembles coarse sand.

3. Incorporate the zucchini, cheeses, and herbs into the flour mixture. Stir all the ingredients so that they are coated with the flour.

4. Pour the heavy cream into the flour, mix well, and begin to knead the dough until it holds together.

5. Once the dough comes together, place it on a lightly floured counter and begin to form the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick.

6. Using a pastry brush, brush heavy cream on the top of the round dough.

7. Cut the dough into 8 equal wedges and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

8. Place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 400 degrees

1. Place scones in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the top and bottom are golden brown.

2. Serve warm or at room temperature.

3. Perfect to pair with a salad, tomato soup, or in a breadbasket.

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Peach Scones (Serves 8 or 16)

2 ½ cups Flour

¼ cup Sugar

1 Tablespoons Baking Powder

½ teaspoon Salt

½ cup Butter, cold and in small pieces

2 cups Peaches, Small dice

½ cup Milk

¼ cup Sour Cream

1 Egg

1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Egg Wash (egg yolk and 1 teaspoon water) Sugar for garnish

1. In a large bowl, add all the dry ingredients, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk all the ingredients together to evenly incorporate.

2. Add butter to the dry ingredients and begin to break the butter down with your fingers until it resembles coarse sand.

3. Incorporate the peaches into the flour mixture. Stir all the ingredients so that they are coated with the flour.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, sour cream, egg, and vanilla extract until well incorporated. Add to the dry ingredients.

5. Begin to knead the dough until it holds together.

6. Once the dough comes together, place it on a lightly floured counter and begin to form the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick.

7. Using a pastry brush, add egg wash on the top of the round dough and evenly sprinkle sugar.

8. Cut the dough into 8 equal wedges and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Note: if you want smaller size scones, then cut each wedge in half again.

9. Place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 400 degrees

1. Place scones in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the top and bottom are golden brown.

2. Serve warm or at room temperature.

3. Perfect to pair with hot or cold tea, coffee, brunch, or any time you want a sweet treat.