26 December 2011

I'm a baking addict at the moment

Scones are what I'm addicted to making at the moment.

I loved them when I made them in cooking school but then it seems that I forgot about them. How I forgot about these light and flaky delights I'll never understand. But I have found them again thanks to a few internet sites that I browse often. They are so quick and easy to put together, that they are perfect for a busy mom, heck a busy anybody! They take minutes to mix up and 15-20min in the oven and they are done! Great as part of your breakfast or a snack at any time of the day. Can you tell that I love them? The first recipe that had me lovin' these again was Strawberry Chocolate Chip Scones from onceamonthmom.com. Truly a wonderful site where I have never been steered wrong on a recipe. Every one of their recipes turns out great and tastes even better!! I made these when strawberries were in season or when they are on sale. But then I needed a replacement for when I didn't have strawberries. Lo and behold, while searching tastykitchen.com, I found a recipe for Banana Chocolate Chip Scones. At this point, I must share with you that I love {LOVE} anything with chocolate chips. I think it's one of those things that always brings me back to being a little girl and baking with my mom. So when I see a recipe with chocolate chips, I usually have to try it. And these scones were definitely no exception. The scones are a hit with anyone who tries them! So jump right in and give 'em a try!
Light tasting with a touch of golden crunch!

Banana Chocolate Chip Scones
by thesimplenest via tastykitchen.com

Ingredients
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons cold butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
9 tablespoons milk
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
1 whole banana, not too ripe

Preparation
Preheat your oven to 400F and line 1 or 2 cookies sheets with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, brown sugar and salt. Cut the butter into small cubes and then use a pastry cutter to blend into the flour mixture. Using a wooden spoon, stir in the vanilla and milk until the dough begins to come together. Now, stir in the chocolate chips. Cut up your banana into small chunks but be sure you don't mash it because it will add too much moisture to the scones. Mix in the chopped banana until just blended. Form the dough into a rectangle on a clean counter or work surface and then cut into triangles. Try not to overwork the dough as it will become a little tough.
Bake for approx 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Let cool and eat! Or you can freeze them once they are completely cool and then pop them in the microwave for a quick warm up before eating.

Happy baking!


20 December 2011

Bits and Bites from Me

Hi everyone! Thank you for stopping by my little corner of the web. As the title of my blog suggests, this will be a collection of ideas and various tidbits that are bouncing around in my head. I am a busy Mom who is always up for trying my hand at different crafty things. At the moment, I'm working on learning to sew and crochet. I also love to take photographs but again still a beginner. My favorite thing to do, aside from spend time with my family, is cook and bake. I lose track of time when I cook or bake. I just love it! I'm hoping to share with you my trials with sewing and crocheting as well as my successes with recipes. All in all, I hope you enjoy!
Thanks for stopping by!