This month's recipe for the Avid Baker's Challenge is scones. We're baking out of the Weekend Baker cookbook which has become one of my favorite because the recipes tend to be pretty quit and always delicious. This one disappoint. We were given some flavor options in the cookbook, and I went with cranberry and orange. In an effort to make them slightly healthier I substituted just over a third of the AP flour for whole wheat flour. Then to negate that I sprinkled them with turbinado sugar right before baking and a orange juice and powdered sugar glaze right after baking.
The big change in my life right now is I quit my job to stay home with my son. This week is my first week of not working. I'm hoping to have more time to bake and blog (especially if I can ever get him to nap in his crib rather than on me). If not, I'll just do what I did this time and put him in the Ergo carrier while I mix everything and put him in the highchair when I'm dealing with the oven. It's a little slower that way, but I guess he gets to learn really early about baking.
Also, I got my first CSA share today! Even though this blog has been primarily focused on baking I thought it would be fun to do a post every week or two about what I've made with my share. I'm cooking and eating so many of these things for the first time so this should be interesting!
I think the directions were probably pretty standard for making these, but I've only ever made one other scone recipe.
Here they are just after glazing. I'm not sure how much of the glaze actually stayed on the scones, but it seemed to add to the flavor.
My little helper looking on wondering "Mommy what are you doing? Why is that so interesting?"
I was worried that substituting some whole wheat flour would make these too dense, but they were just perfect. I baked them for 18 minutes like the recipe called for. The bottom of them were a little dark, but the inside was soft and not at all dry. The next day they tasted delicious heated for just 15 seconds.
WOW! I think it is fantastic that your priorities are family. Good for you and good luck. My children always help me in the kitchen and have since very young. Check out my daughter baking:
ReplyDeletehttp://love2cooksweets.blogspot.com/2010/03/baby-bakes-cake-aka-tiger-cake.html
I found these scones to be amazing too!!
Very cute! How old was your daughter then? I'm sure my son will be happy when he can help like that.
DeleteCongratulations on your own decision to be with your son and your beautiful scones.
ReplyDeleteYour little helper is very cute! Congratulations for being a SAHM! I am enjoying being SAHM for the past three years! Substituting with whole wheat flour is a healthy idea! These scones are a winner in my house too! Have a nice day!
ReplyDeleteThanks! It's always nice to hear from other SAHM who are enjoying it.
DeleteI thinks it's great that you decided to quit your job and focus on your son! The bonus is having more time to bake delicious goodies at home!! Your scones look delicious!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I'm looking forward to baking more!
DeleteYou're the second ABC-er to sub some WW flour for the white flour. They look great. I will definitely try that next time as well. Your baby is adorable!! Good for you on being a SAHM. Looking forward to your (cooking and baking) blog posts.
ReplyDeleteThanks Hanaa! I'm hoping I can keep up with my blotting better now than I was.
DeleteAndrea, I was not quite as courageous as you, only substituted 84g of the AP-flour with whole wheat. Next time I will take more, too.
ReplyDeleteMy kitchen helpers have paws, and I have to be careful not to get my pastry "stamped".
I only substituted. 100g so not that much more. I think I would try half whole wheat next time.
DeleteI have those kind of helpers too - 3 cats and 1 dog.
Daring to use ww flour in the recipe, I would have been afraid they wouldn't go up at all. Yours look great and the little helper is adorable! (Happy memories when mine were that age!) I admire your life choice!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I normally follow recipes closely, but I'm hoping that if I start taking more chances I'll learn more.
DeleteHi Andrea!
ReplyDeleteI'm Joy from "Hot Oven, Warm Heart," and I just became a member of ABC. I’m so happy to be a part of the group, and make some new blogging baker friends- hopefully you included.
Your scones look lovely- beautifully golden brown. The glaze was a great idea to reinforce the orange flavor. It's good to know I can add a little whole wheat flour next time to make them a bit healthier. And I must say, your little sous chef is just about the cutest thing I've ever seen. How old is he?
If you have a chance, I'd love it if you'd stop by and check out my scones too! Hope to hear from you soon. Have a great weekend!
Fondly,
Joy
http://hotovenwarmheart.wordpress.com/
Hi Joy!
ReplyDeleteWelcome to ABC! I love being part of baking blogging groups. I think it's a great way to make blotting friends. I will definitely check out your blot!
Thanks! My little guy is 7 months old.