Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Mixed Berry Scones

Mixed Berry Scones (Cook's Country)
Scones
1 3/4 c frozen mixed berries, roughly chopped
3 T powdered sugar
3 c flour
12 T cold butter, cut into 1/2" chunks, separated
1/3 c sugar
1 T baking powder
1 1/4 t salt
1 c milk
1 egg + 1 yolk
Glaze
2 T butter
1 T honey

1. Preheat oven to 425* and line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
2. Toss berries in powdered sugar and set aside in freezer.
3. In food processor, combine flour, 6 Tablespoons butter, sugar, baking powder, and salt until butter is fully incorporated; add remaining butter and pulse until butter is reduced to pea-sized pieces.
4. Transfer mixture to a medium bowl and stir in berries.
5. In a separate small bowl, combine milk and eggs.
6. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in egg mixture; using a rubber spatula, gently stir together, scraping down the edges of the bowl, until just combined. Don't overmix. Dough will look shaggy.
7. Turn the dough out on a well-floured surface and knead briefly until dough just comes together. Using a dough scraper, form the dough into a 12"x4" rectangle; cut dough into four equal rectangles, then cut each of those in half diagonally (8 triangles total).
8. Transfer scones to prepared pan and bake until light brown, about 15-18 minutes, rotating pan halfway through.
9. While the scones bake, combine butter and honey in a small microwave-safe bowl and heat until butter is melted; stir and set aside.
10. Remove scones from oven and brush tops with honey butter glaze. Return scones to oven and bake for an additional 5-8 minutes, until golden brown. Transfer to wire rack to cool for 10 minutes.


Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Loaded Baked Potato Soup
1 lb bacon, roughly chopped and slightly frozen
1 yellow onion, diced
1 large carrot, peeled and diced
3/4 c diced celery
4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
4 medium red potatoes, diced
1/4 c flour
2 c chicken broth
salt and pepper, to taste
4 c heavy whipping cream
green onions, Cheddar cheese, sour cream (opt)

1. In a large pot over medium heat, fry bacon until crispy; remove bacon and set aside on paper towels to drain.
2. In bacon fat, cook onions, carrots, and celery until onions are clear; add potatoes and cook for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Whisk in flour and stir constantly over low heat until the flour is cooked and the mixture has thickened slightly, about 5-7 minutes. Add chicken broth, salt, pepper, and half of the bacon.
4. Over medium-high heat, simmer for 25 minutes, or until potatoes are soft. At this point, you could mash some (or all) of the potatoes. Add cream and simmer for 5 more minutes.
Serve in a bread bowl topped with remaining bacon, and other toppings.