Why Make Biscuits & Scones…the Easy Way?

Some meals need a little something extra.  To do that, I want it to be quick and easy, but especially good.  We love having biscuits with soup, salads or jam.  The scones are yummy for a breakfast treat, afternoon snack, tea party or even a dessert.

Today, I am sharing with you two of my favorite master recipes and the key to flaky quick breads.  I love variety in cooking.  And have fun adding seasonal ingredients or whatever we’re craving to change things up.  These recipes are very dependable favorites. We live at 900 feet elevation, so adjust if needed for your elevation.

 

 

Frozen or very cold, grated butter!

Yes!  That’s the key!!!

 

 

 

 

Quick Biscuits    Makes 12

– Preheat oven to 400′. Prepare cookie sheet by lightly greasing or silicone baking mat.

– Whisk together in medium sized bowl:                                                                                                                           2 cups flour (I prefer 1/2 whole wheat and 1/2 white)                                                                                      1/2 teaspoon salt                                                                                                                                                                  2 teaspoons baking powder

– Grate 1/2 cup frozen or very chilled butter  into flour mixture  and quickly toss together till it looks like coarse cornmeal.

-Add – 2/3 cup milk                                                                                                                                                              Stirring until dough forms a loose ball.  Knead quickly in bowl with your hands 5 to 10 times.  Don’t over knead.

– Using a regular sized ice cream scoop, place scoop of dough onto silicone baking mat or greased cookie sheet.  Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden.

Optional Ingredients: minced herbs, grated cheese, sesame seeds, chopped nuts.

 

 

 

 

 

Delicious Scones

– Preheat over to 400′ . Prepare cookie sheet by lightly greasing or using a silicone baking mat.

– In large bowl, whisk together:                                                                                                                                             2 cups flour                                                                                                                                                                               1/2 cup sugar                                                                                                                                                                           2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder                                                                                                                                1/2 teaspoon salt                                                                                                                                                                 Optional ingredients: zest of 1 lemon, cinnamon, ginger, etc.    

– Grate 1/2 cup frozen or very chilled butter  into flour mixture and quickly toss together till it looks like coarse cornmeal.

– In small bowl, whisk together:                                                                                                                                            1/2 cream or whole milk                                                                                                                                                 1 egg                                                                                                                                                                                             1 teaspoon vanilla    

– Pour over flour mixture and with spatula toss mixture till everything is moistened.

-Gently fold in 1 cup of any of these optional in ingredients:                                                                    blueberries, raisins, currents, dried cherries, crasians, raspberries, chopped nuts, diced apples, peaches, apricots or pears, chocolate chips,  etc.

– Using a regular sized ice cream scoop, place scoop of dough onto silicone baking mat or greased cookie sheet.  Or shape dough on floured board into 8″ disc and cut into 8 wedges and place onto cookie sheet at least 2″ apart.  Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until lightly golden.

– Directly out of oven, drizzle glaze over each scone.

Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar and 2 to 3 tablespoons lemon juice or milk stirred smooth.

 

 

 

 

My hope is that these quick, fun recipes will enhance your meals.