01 July 2010

Raisin Star Scones


I've always loved scones!
The best scones I've tasted so far are from Cameron Highlands. Just the right bite - not too hard and not too soft; and just the right amount of moisture - not too dry and not too wet.  It seems the bakeries in Singapore just can't do scones the way they're supposed to be.

So... since I can't possibly drive to Cameron Highlands every time I crave for scones, the next best thing is to bake my own.  After several tries at different recipes, I finally found one that came close to perfect. 

THE PARTS:
(Makes about 24 star scones.)
260g plain flour
50g sugar (either white or brown or both)
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
113g unsalted butter, cold
140ml buttermilk (or 10ml lemon juice + 130ml milk, left to stand for 5 min)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Raisins, as much as you like

ASSEMBLY:
1 - Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
2 - Cut the cold butter into the flour till the mixture resembles coarse bread crumbs.
3 - Add buttermilk and vanilla extract and stir till dough just comes together.  Do not overmix, or you will get tough scones.
4 - Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface and knead gently a few times. Then pat or roll dough to about 1 inch thick and cut out desired shapes with your cookie cutter. 
5 - Transfer scones to a baking sheet and brush the tops of the scones with a little milk.
6 - Bake at 190 degC for about 12 min or until golden brown. 

Best enjoyed with butter and/or your favourite jam. 
Even better if you can find clotted cream!

3 comments:

Happy Homebaker said...

I had some very nice scones at Cameron Highland recently too :) I like your starry starry scones :)

NEL, the batter baker said...

Hi Happy Homebaker,
Thanks for your encouragement. I really enjoy reading your blogs. And your photos are always so well-taken.

Bakertan said...

hi,

My impression of scones from local bakeries are hard and dry. The best I had so far are the scones (known as biscuits in US) from Popeyes chicken. They are buttery, moist and soft. Delicious when eaten warm.

These scones are nicely shaped and looks inviting. home-baked goods simply rulez~

Cheers and happy baking! =]

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