In the previous note, I explained how to make basic British scones.
Basic scones are great, and are a wonderful carrier to get clotted cream
and jam to your mouth. After making the basics, though, I started
playing with some variations. An advantage I've found to variations is
that some of the are great stand-alone flavors, and don't need the extra
condiments.
I'll start with the easiest variations, then work my way up to some of the more complex ones that I've done. Hopefully you'll be able to see the progression and figure out some new and different flavors of your own.
Dried Fruit Scones
Probably the easiest addition to scones is dried fruit. Add the fruit when you mix in the sugar, after rubbing in butter, and before adding milk. I don't have exact measurements for fruit to add, and just do it by how it looks, and how much fruit flavor you want. Generally, I think about a half cup is about right. Here are a few suggestions:
Fruit isn't the only thing you can stir into scones. Here are some more easy additions that don't alter too far from the basic recipe.
I'll start with the easiest variations, then work my way up to some of the more complex ones that I've done. Hopefully you'll be able to see the progression and figure out some new and different flavors of your own.
Dried Fruit Scones
Probably the easiest addition to scones is dried fruit. Add the fruit when you mix in the sugar, after rubbing in butter, and before adding milk. I don't have exact measurements for fruit to add, and just do it by how it looks, and how much fruit flavor you want. Generally, I think about a half cup is about right. Here are a few suggestions:
- Currant Scones- just add dried currants
- Cranberry and Orange Scones - add about 1/2 cup dried cranberries and a couple tablespoons of finely grated orange zest. You can also use a couple teaspoons of dried orange peel from the grocery store (spice aisle), but fresh zest will give better flavor. Add about an extra tablespoon of sugar, too, to balance the sharp taste of the berries (as long as they're not sweetened berries.)
- Berry Scones - mixed dried berries are often available in the grocery store. You can up the flavor on these a bit more by adding some vanilla with your milk, and using cream instead of milk will make them a bit richer, too.
- Strawberries & Cream Scones - use dried strawberries, but cut them into small pieces. Check the berries that you're using to see if they're dried with sugar. If they are, don't add any extra sugar. If they're not, then use your discretion. Add some vanilla with the cream.
Fruit isn't the only thing you can stir into scones. Here are some more easy additions that don't alter too far from the basic recipe.
- Chocolate Chip Scones- small chips are better than large ones, just like small pieces of fruit are better than large ones.
- Lavender Lemon Scones - Add about 1/4 cup dried lavender and 1/4 cup fresh grated lemon zest. These have a very delicate flavor, but are surprisingly tasty.
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