Ok, so J and I are not big valentines day people. I mean we just don’t need a day to remind us to do something nice for each other (we are also frugal and don’t want to spend more on something that will likely cost us half price or even less 1 day later!). I also don’t like how it can make a person who is single feel worse about being single. I feel the same way about mother and fathers day. What about people who aren’t mothers or fathers? Where’s the single and child-free person’s day?
Generally though, I do like the idea of doing something nice for someone to show you love them, especially when it has to do with food!
Since we are well into Valentines month now, I decided I would share a couple of my fav treat recipes that I love to make for J, but also for myself, since the way to my heart is most definitely through food.
Starting with these blueberry scones. This recipe features a flavour paring that can never go wrong: blueberries and lemon. I use the zest of a lemon to bring out the flavour of the blueberries. Mixed into the light flakey dough, this is a crowd pleaser. But honestly, I’d rather be selfish and not share these if I can.
So amazing when served warm or toasted with a dollop of coconut cream or clotted cream on top and a cup of tea. So here they are in all their blueberry buttery goodness.
Valentines day or not, these are a great way to say I love you to yourself (or someone else if you feel like sharing).
Blueberry Scones
Ingredients
- 3 cup flour (either a mix of half whole wheat and plain, or just plain white)
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup cold butter (unsalted)
- 1 tbsp lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
- 1 /3 cup blueberries
- 1 cup whipping cream (plus a few tablespoons extra for the topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400*F (200*C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- The secret to making these light and flakey is using cold ingredients. So make sure the butter and cream are well chilled before starting.
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar and salt.
- Grate the chilled butter using a coarse grater into the flour mixture (This will also help keep the pastry light and flakey).
- Add the butter and lightly mix with your hands till the flour coats all the butter. Don’t over mix as this will start to warm the dough and melt the butter.
- Add the lemon zest and cream. Mix until just combined. If you find the dough is not sticking together add a tablespoon of water at a time till it starts to stick together.
- On a lightly floured surface, separate the dough into 2 balls. Flatten out one ball of dough to about 1 inch thick circle. Spread the blueberries on this dough disk. Now flatten the other dough ball into a disk and place this on top of the other dough disk with blueberries. Lightly press down so the blue berries are sandwiched in the middle of the dough.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the dough like a pizza into triangles. (You will likely cut into some blueberries so make sure your knife is sharp!)
- Place the dough triangles on the parchment lined baking sheet leaving about an inch between them. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush some cream on top of each scone.
- Bake for 18-20 mins till golden brown on top.
Yes! Want NOW!