I love scones, but I don't enjoy making them. There I said it. Kneading the dough, shaping it...maybe that sounds lazy but right now life is busy with no extra time for little things like, kneading and shaping dough.
That's what I love about these scones, you gently stir the batter together, mounding up each scone individually. So easy!
However, the trick with scones remains; over-handling the batter will make them tough. Mixing must be kept to a minimum for optimum results.
These scones were quite toothsome with their mix of blueberries, cornmeal and lime zest. Lime juice was also added to the glaze to really bring home and incorporate the flavors at play.
Overall, a lovely, easy breakfast to enjoy. Not overly sweet and perfect with coffee or tea.
Cornmeal-Blueberry Scones
Adapted from Better Homes & Gardens
1-1/3 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup yellow cornmeal
2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
2 Tablespoons packed light brown sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup cold butter; cut up
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 egg
1-1/2 teaspoons lime zest
1 cup frozen blueberries*
1 teaspoon cornstarch
Nonstick cooking spray
3 to 4 teaspoons lime juice
1 cup powdered sugar
3 Tablespoons chopped almonds, toasted
In a large bowl combine flour, cornmeal, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Cut in butter until flour mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Make a well in the center of the cornmeal mixture adding buttermilk, egg and lime zest. With a fork beat the egg and buttermilk until combined. Stir all the batter together just until moistened being careful not to overmix here. Toss frozen blueberries with cornstarch to coat; add to flour mixture. Stir gently 3 to 5 turns, just until berries are incorporated (do not overmix).
Using a large spoon, drop dough into 10 or 12 mounds on a large baking sheet that has been coated with cooking spray, leaving 1" between mounds. Bake in a 450 degree oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until tops are golden. Remove from tray immediately onto a cooling rack.
For icing, in a small bowl whisk enough lime juice into powdered sugar until drizzling consistency. Drizzle over warm scones. Sprinkle with nuts. Serve warm.
*Leave berries in the freezer until ready to toss with cornstarch.
Cathy is currently in the development stages of her vineyard and winery in the Willamette Valley of Oregon. She is a food writer for Davis Life Magazine and blogs daily about wine, food and everyday living. She lives with her husband and two sons. You can visit her at noblepig.com.