Lemon Scones & New Beginnings

There is something oddly comforting about the smell of lemon wafting through the house. Maybe it's the citrus scent mixed with the cool outside air, signalling the beginning of warmer and brighter days. Or perhaps it is just a special combination when butter mixes with flour, sugar and lemon zest, resulting in a pastry like dessert that gives a whole new meaning to the term "coffee break".

I have to admit, it has been awhile since I've sat down and really enjoyed something I've made with my own two hands.

2012 was a rough year and possibly the hardest I've ever managed to get through, but thank God it's over and there are new beginning at every corner. One of those new beginnings is me trying to get back into a hobby I once found myself unbelievably passionate in... something that has been lost to me the past year or so. Sometimes it is easy to get stuck in the motions of life and kind of forget why exactly you love what you do. Although it feels like it's silly to forget something like that, it happens a lot and I know I'm not alone. It's terribly common for me to get stuck in a funk and treat things like chores instead of things that genuinely make me happy. I think we can all say that about something we care about in our lives. When you really want to do something, but your body and your mind seem to simultaneously come up with excuses as to why you shouldn't. Or maybe you're just so busy you can't even think to find the time to take a few minutes out of the day and just breathe. Or maybe you're breathing too much. Or maybe you have asthma. I don't know. I'm not a doctor. Hopefully you ARE breathing in some way, though, 'cause missing out on these lemon scones would be a serious mood killer.

No one likes a debbie downer (which, by the way, is a real saying. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise).

Either way, I think an essential part about living your life fully is using the skills or the passions that God has placed in your heart and never forgetting that He gave them specifically to you for a reason. All those little things about you aren't there by happenstance; there's always a reason and a purpose. Even if that reason is just so you can relax, or so you can maybe help out someone else. They are beautiful attributes about us and it blows my mind that we can so easily miss out on something so wonderful. If there is one thing I am dedicated to changing in 2013, and for the rest of my life, it's to not be scared of being dedicated to something. Whether it be baking, or sharing, or loving, or praying, or writing, or just being there for people who need it.. It's better to be all in for what you love, then all in for what you hate. Y'know? Plus I don't think anyone can argue with the fact that this whole baking hobby of mine brings happiness and joy to all people involved (a.k.a. anyone who knows me that has confessed to having a sweet tooth). And you know what? My life needs a little more sprinkle of powdered sugar on top! Or, in this case, a lemony glaze. Which is mighty fine, If I do say so myself.

These scones didn't come out perfect the first time, but they were certainly worth fighting for. The first batched burned, so be careful when making these because they turn from golden to brown fairly quickly. Also, grated butter is ESSENTIAL to making sure every since bite of this scone is as delicate and lovely as the first. It's also a good workout. Just saying. Also, I think either white chocolate chips or crystalized ginger would go fantastic with these. Scones for thought.

These need to be eaten with either hot green tea, coffee or a tall glass of milk. Preferably for breakfast... and lunch... and dinner. Or all day. Or all year.

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
- Jeremiah 29:11

Lemon Scones with Lemon Drizzle Glaze

INGREDIENTS

yield: 8 scones    prep: 10-15min    cook: 15min

1/3 cup of granulated sugar

2 medium sized lemons

2 cups of all-purpose flour, spooned into measuring cup & leveled,

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter, frozen

(If you do not have a grater, slice the butter into small cubes and freeze) 

1/3 cup heavy cream or whole milk

1 egg

GLAZE

1 cup powdered sugar

2 tablespoons butter, melted

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon lemon juice (up this to 2tbsp for a more zesty/sour flavor)

1 tablespoon milk  

  

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 

2. In a standmixer bowl with the whisk attachment, combine the zest and sugar together until moist and fragarent. Add the flour, baking soda & baking powder. If you do not have a stand mixer, you may do this by hand, though it will take longer.

3. Grate butter into flour mixture on the large holes of a box grater; use your fingers to work in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse meal.

4. In a small bowl, whisk the heavy cream and egg until smooth.

5. Using a fork, stir wet mixture into flour mixture until large dough clumps form. Use your hands to press the dough against the bowl into a ball. If your dough is extremely sticky and wet, add a tablespoon or two of more flour until it begins to come together more easily.

6. Place on a lightly floured surface and pat into a 7-inch circle about 3/4-inch thick. Use a sharp knife to cut into 8 triangles; place on prepared baking sheet, about 1 inch apart. Bake until tops are a pale golden and bottoms are beginning to brown, about 15 to 17 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes and prepare the glaze.

7. In a medium bowl, prepare the glaze by mixing together the melted butter, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, milk and lemon juice. Whisk until smooth. You may either dip your scones in the glaze, wait for them to harden and then double dip them, or you may use a fork to liberally dribble the top of your scones twice over