Apricot, Chocolate, and Walnut Scones

🍑🍫🌰 Apricot, Chocolate, and Walnut Scones 🍑🍫🌰

Scones are a delightful and versatile baked treat, and when you add apricots, chocolate, and walnuts, they become a delectable combination of fruity sweetness, rich indulgence, and nutty crunch. Let’s dive into the history, components, preparation steps, and time needed to make these scrumptious scones.

History of Scones:
Scones originated in the UK and have a long history dating back to the 16th century. Originally, scones were made with oats and cooked on a griddle, but over the years, they’ve evolved into the delicious, flaky pastries we know today.

Components:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into small cubes)
• 1/2 cup dried apricots (chopped)
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 2/3 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps to Prepare:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

3. Add Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the butter into the dry mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

4. Add Mix-ins: Gently fold in the chopped apricots, chocolate chips, and chopped walnuts.

5. Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract.

6. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.

7. Shape Scones: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and shape it into a 1-inch thick rectangle.

8. Cut Scones: Use a knife or biscuit cutter to cut the dough into scones of your desired shape and size. You can make 8-12 scones, depending on your preference.

9. Bake: Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and have risen.

10. Cool: Allow the scones to cool on a wire rack for a few minutes.

Total Time Needed:

• Preparation: 15-20 minutes
• Baking: 15-20 minutes
• Cooling: 10 minutes

In total, you can have these scrumptious apricot, chocolate, and walnut scones ready to enjoy in about 40-50 minutes. These scones are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful snack with a hot cup of tea or coffee. Enjoy the combination of fruity sweetness, rich chocolate, and nutty crunch in each delicious bite! 🍑🍫🌰😋

Certainly! Here’s some nutrition information and health considerations for Apricot, Chocolate, and Walnut Scones:

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

• Calories: Approximately 250-300 calories per scone, but this can vary depending on the size and specific ingredients used.
• Fat: Scones tend to be moderately high in fat due to butter and nuts, with around 12-15 grams of fat per serving.
• Carbohydrates: Typically, scones contain about 30-40 grams of carbohydrates.
• Protein: Around 3-5 grams of protein per serving.
• Fiber: Scones may provide 1-2 grams of dietary fiber.
• Sugars: These scones have added sugars from the chocolate and dried apricots, so sugar content can vary, but it’s generally around 10-15 grams per serving.

Health Information:

• Moderation: Scones are delicious but can be calorie-dense and high in sugars and fats. Enjoy them in moderation to maintain a balanced diet.

• Nutrient Variability: The nutritional content can vary based on specific ingredients and portion size. You can make healthier variations by using whole wheat flour, reducing sugar, or using alternatives like honey or maple syrup.

• Fruit and Nuts: Adding dried apricots and walnuts provides some fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats, but be mindful of portion sizes as these ingredients can contribute to calorie intake.

• Portion Control: The key to enjoying scones without overindulging is portion control. Consider smaller sizes and avoid piling on excessive toppings like clotted cream or extra chocolate chips.

• Balance: To make this treat a bit healthier, balance your diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to ensure you’re getting a wide range of nutrients.

Scones are a delightful occasional treat, but not necessarily a health food. They can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet, but it’s essential to be aware of their calorie and sugar content and to consume them in moderation.