In my accent scone rhymes with long. Just so’s you know. This blogging is such a silent affair. Because we are not making a scone that rhymes with bone today we are going to make light fluffy scones for which we long! Am I getting weird?
When I was growing up in the big house on the beach, overlooking Hawke Bay in New Zealand, I was the Martha of the household. I was the little cook. So when someone popped in for a cup of tea and a yarn, the catch cry was “Celi, can you whip us up a batch of scones?” So I would take my writing or the book I was reading into the kitchen and whip them up a batch of scones. Then eat mine hot in the kitchen with my books. My sisters were the Mary’s you see, even my mother was a Mary (her name was even Mary) and I was the Martha. I did not mind. I mean I really did not mind. Small talk is not my forte. Never has been and still is not. I am the one who says something completely out of context just as there is a chatter-pause. And you get that freeze of politely raised eyebrows- did she speak? Oh, I’m sorry, what was that dear? No. I was happier making scones and ferrying cups of tea in and out, while everyone else chatted, sitting on the couches in front of the big windows that overlooked the bright sea. In fact this second story room had a wall of windows and doors overlooking the bay so all the couches faced the sea – you could not turn your back on that view. 
So when you hear the cry “Whip us up a batch of scones” from the Mary’s in your house – turn the oven on. Because you need a very hot oven. And it takes longer for an oven to heat up than it does to prepare your scones.
- 2 cups flour and 2 tsp baking powder and 2 heaped tablespoons of cornflour/cornstarch.
- a pinch of salt. (and pepper or tsp sugar depending on your other ingredients which you will add now)
- 3oz cold butter grated into the flour.
Quickly mix with your fingertips
- Make a well in your flour and add 1/3 cup milk and 1/3 cup cold water mixed together.
Mix with spoon until you have a nice doughy ball.
Pat and shape gently. Set on buttered and floured cookie sheet and into your hot hot oven. Great Auntie Mid always said to cook scones for 5 minutes at 500. Which was fine on a big old coal range. In my gas oven I cooked this mornings scones for 10 minutes at 450.
The best bit is the variations. You can put almost anything you like in a scone. Or have them plain with a little sugar in the mix. This mornings were bacon and onion (add these at the flour stage) with cheese on top. My favourite are date scones with a sprinkle of sugar on top. Sultana scones were standard at the house on the beach. Another one I love is cheese and fresh parsley. If you add cheese you can decrease the butter a little.
See? I told you they would not take long. Now I am going to eat mine with a cup of tea, while I do tomorrows planning. 
c
The Kitchen's Garden 
76 responses to “Longing for scones”
Hey! I bet even I could make these. My baking skills are very limited and scones are one of those items I thought I’d always buy and never bake. Not anymore. And if someone asks where I learned to make scones, I’ll tell ’em Martha showed me — no, not that Martha. Thanks!
Yes you can. If you can make that amazing out of this world ice-cream then you can make scones! And yes it is the biblical Martha, I knew you would get the reference..c
These look beautiful and delicious! I love the idea of savory scones. So, so good!
Oh, they are tasty, and you can make up your own variations too.. c
Sounds so good and easy! I will have to try these and top it with some homemade strawberry jelly. Yum. Thank you!
Oh yes. i forget … strawberry jam and whipped cream on top.. how could I have forgotton! thank you for reminding me.. is it unethical to go back and write a PS?
You’re a genius on baking goodies! I can cook but never bake, so I’ll save the recipe and stuff for a friend to make and share with me 🙂 thank you for sharing this with us! 🙂
You can bake Andy.. I bet you can.. these are simple!! though the sharing sounds good! c
These look and sound delicious! Even more delicious, perhaps, is the description of the conviviality (and that includes the vicarious kind of the wallflower Martha contributing from the sidelines and listening in) in your home-by-the-bay. I’m a coastal girl by upbringing myself and the image of that room with the expansive water views is, well, delicious.
Oh a fellow beachcomber!! Thought there was something familiar about you! c
I loved your story, it almost felt like I was sitting there with you in the kitchen! You’re a great story teller! Plus… a scone recipe that I am going to have to try this morning! Thanks!
Thank you Smidgen. And you are right the morning is the perfect time to have scones.. c
Nice !
Chomp, chomp. chomp. sorry should not try and talk with my mouth full! (swallow) thank you Mad .. c
May have to give this a try too! You give great background on your posts.
Thank you Harold. With your big family the mix is easy to double! c
What a great idea! I never thought to grate the butter into the flour.
Well it makes it speedier, and you know how i am the lazy shortcut one in the kitchen!
They are smelling so delicious dear Cecilia…. Thank you, I added to my notebook. With my love, nia
Thank you Nia, Hope you are having a great day outside with your camera! c
OK, as much as I love your posts, I have to admit, I spent a good chunk of it trying to say scones in a New Zealand accent. I know, I’m terrible! The scones look great, really great.
Well greg I am very grateful that you tried. Of course it was not until after i wrote that i realised that you all probably say ‘long’ differently from me as well! !! (laugh) c
I say it the same way as you! I love scones but have never had too much luck with them but you make it sound so simple and straightforward. I want to be in your kitchen with you…Í´d let you read your books in peace!
good girl, tanya, obviously you were taught how to speak good England too !(laugh now please) .. c
Mmm, I love real fresh scones, but most recipes usually involve SO much butter–this looks like an at least slightly healthier treat 🙂
hi beast! in fact you can cut down a little on the butter if you like, esp if you have cheese in there! But i love butter so i am always trying to shove more in!!! 🙂
C, you always bring a smile with your memories and your recipes! And, what luck! I need something to make for breakfast in the morning…hmmm, sweet? Or savory?
So many choices, just close your eyes and point!! c
Yum!!!! Always a good time for baked goods!
And they are so fast! Turn the oven on!!! c