๐ง Almond Scones ๐ฅ
Almond scones are delightful baked goods, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or tea time. They are characterized by their flaky and tender texture, subtly sweet flavor, and the delightful crunch of toasted almonds. Here’s a detailed response to your questions, complete with emojis! ๐
๐ History:
Scones have Scottish origins and date back to the 1500s. The word “scone” likely comes from the Dutch word “schoonbrot,” which means “beautiful bread.” Scones evolved over time, and almond scones, in particular, are a variation that adds the richness and nuttiness of almonds to the classic recipe.
๐ฅ Components:
To make delicious almond scones, you’ll need the following components:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) of cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup of chopped almonds (toasted for extra flavor)
- 1/2 cup of milk (whole milk or buttermilk)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon of almond extract
- Optional: Sliced almonds for topping
- Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting
๐ฉโ๐ณ Steps to Prepare:
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix well.
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Incorporate Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
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Add Almonds: Gently fold in the chopped toasted almonds.
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Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and almond extract.
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Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if the dough is a bit shaggy.
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Shape and Cut: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Pat it into a 1-inch thick circle. Using a round cookie cutter or a sharp knife, cut out scones.
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Bake: Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet. If desired, top each scone with sliced almonds. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until they are golden brown.
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Cool and Serve: Allow the scones to cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, you can dust them with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
โฐ Time Needed:
The time needed to prepare almond scones can vary, but on average, it takes about 30-40 minutes from start to finish. This includes preparation and baking time. It’s a relatively quick and satisfying baking project!
Enjoy your homemade almond scones with a cup of tea or coffee! โ๐
Certainly, here’s some nutrition information and health considerations for almond scones:
๐งฎ Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per serving):
- Calories: Around 250-300 calories per scone, depending on size and ingredients used.
- Total Fat: Approximately 15-20 grams, primarily from butter and almonds.
- Saturated Fat: Typically 8-10 grams, due to the butter content.
- Carbohydrates: Roughly 25-30 grams, mainly from flour and sugar.
- Dietary Fiber: Minimal, about 1-2 grams per serving.
- Sugars: Approximately 6-8 grams from added sugar.
- Protein: About 4-6 grams, primarily from flour and almonds.
๐ Health Information:
- Almond scones, while delicious, are considered a treat or indulgence due to their relatively high calorie and fat content, particularly saturated fat from butter.
- The almonds in the scones do provide some health benefits, as they are a good source of healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and protein.
- The presence of almonds also adds vitamin E, which is an antioxidant, and some minerals like magnesium and calcium.
- However, it’s essential to consume almond scones in moderation, as they can contribute to calorie intake and saturated fat consumption if eaten frequently.
- If you’re concerned about health, consider making modifications such as using whole wheat flour or reducing sugar content to make the scones slightly healthier.
Remember that the nutrition values can vary based on the specific recipe and serving size, so it’s a good idea to check the labels or calculate the nutrition for your exact ingredients and portions if you have specific dietary concerns. Enjoy almond scones as an occasional treat rather than a daily staple to maintain a balanced diet.
