Warm scones for a crisp autumn day

What’s on the agenda for today? Having lived in Kenya, in a culture so opposite of North America, I have become a very “go-with-the-flow” kind of Mama.  This shouldn’t be mistaken for lazy, otherwise I’m sure you wouldn’t be here reading this!

I like to take time in the day and notice what my children are interested in.  From there, I follow their interests and expand on it.

Back to my initial question. What’s on the agenda for today? Baking!

My oldest son (3 years old) loves to bake with me.  It also encourages him to eat the final product because he was involved. (Anyone else who has a super picky toddler?)

Baking (or cooking) is a great activity that combines science, math, hand-eye coordination and even some creativity.  Remember to view your child as a competent individual.  They can accomplish a lot more than you may think.

Below is a scone recipe that we just baked today and I absolutely love it! (Fancy it up with cranberries or chives if you like!)

INGREDIENTS:

·         2 cups All Purpose Flour

·         1/4 cup Granulated Sugar

·         1 and 1/4 teaspoon Baking Powder

·         1/4 teaspoon Baking Soda

·         1/4 teaspoon Salt

·         1/2 cup Butter, Cold and Cut Into Pieces

·         1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

·         3/4 cup Buttermilk or whole milk.

Instructions:

1.      Preheat oven at 400F/200C. Prepare a baking dish with parchment paper or cooking spray. (I used PAM).

2.      Mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl.

3.      Cut the butter into small pieces and blend it together with the flour.

4.      Add the vanilla extract, then add the buttermilk (we used milk), until the dough comes together. Don’t overmix!

5.      Knead the dough on a floured service just a couple of times.

6.      Flatten the dough into a 7 inch round circle and about 1 and 1/2 inches in thickness.

7.      Cut this circle in half.  (If you’d like you can also cut it into shapes)

8.      Place the scones on the baking sheet and cook in oven for 12- 15 minutes until golden brown. (Mine took 12 minutes).