Irish Scones

Since Saint Patrick's Day is approaching, I figured I would try some Irish dishes. Scones had to be one of the dishes I wanted to make. Why? Only because I love them. They are easy to make. They are a fast breakfast. They go well with tea. Then the main reason is because I love them. Well, I did try to find currants for these scones. I guess currants aren't a popular product to carry so I elected to make half of the scones with raisins. My daughter asked for some without any raisins which was fine. I didn't want to over knead them since my daughter kept telling me that scones are as hard as stones. These scones weren't hard.

Irish Scones
1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar plus more for topping
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
4 Tbsp butter, cold and cut into pieces
1/4 cup raisins/currants
1/2 cup milk
1 egg
1 egg, beaten for brushing the top

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
4. Cut in the butter into the flour mixture to form coarse crumbs.
5. Whisk together the milk with 1 egg. 
6. Using a fork, stir just until a moist dough form.
7. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead a couple of times until incorporated. (Don't over knead so the scones won't be like stones.)
8. Pat the dough into 1 1/2 inch thickness.
9. Cut the dough into 6 circles. 
10. Place the dough onto the baking sheets. 
11. Brush the tops with the beaten egg and lightly sprinkle the top with sugar.
12. Bake the scones for 7 minutes and rotate the baking sheet.
13. Bake the scones for another 7 minutes or until golden brown.
14. Serve warm with butter and jam. 

Recipe adapted from Kerrygold.

One year ago...........................I made Mint Flourless Brownies.
Two years ago.........................I made PB Nutella Oatmeal.
Three years ago.......................I made Fried Meatball Sandwich.

Did you already know....................
-The average Irish man is 5 feet 9 inches tall.
-The average Irish woman is 5 feet 5 inches tall.
-The majority of the Irish are Catholic.

Jubilation Granola Chews

Have you ever purchased a box of those chewy granola bars? These Jubilation Granola Chews are soft and chewy like those bars but much better. We really loved this recipe.  I think I will be making this recipe before any trip.

This weeks Project Pastry Queen was picked by Amanda of Homekeeping Adventures. The other great thing about this recipe is if you don't have almonds use walnuts. You can vary the ingredients with whatever you have on hand. Please make sure to check out the other members variations of this recipe. After I made the recipe, I individually wrapped each one for a quick snack to go.

Jubilation Granola Chews
3/4 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup agave syrup
1/3 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp vanilla extract
4 cups old fashioned rolled oats
1 cup walnuts, chopped
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1/2 cup craisins
1/2 cup currants
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 cup golden flax seeds

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. On a baking sheet, toast the oatmeal for about 8 to 10 minutes.
3. In a large bowl, add the toasted oatmeal and set aside.
4. On the same baking sheet previously used, add the nuts, coconut, sunflower, and flax seeds.
5. Toast the nut mixture in the oven for about 7 to 8 minutes or until lightly browned.
6. Add the mixture to the oatmeal bowl. Set aside.
7. Spray a 9x13 baking pan with cooking spray.
8. In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, honey, agave syrup, maple syrup, and water.
9. Heat the mixture over medium-high heat until the mixture comes to a bowl.
10. Reduce the heat to medium heat and simmer for about 8 to 10 minutes until the mixture reaches around 234 to 240 degrees F on a candy thermometer.
11. Stir in the butter, peanut butter, salt, and vanilla.
12. After combining, add the honey mixture to the oatmeal bowl and stir to combine.
13. Pour the mixture into the greased 9x13 baking pan.
14. Evenly press the mixture into the pan using a sheet of wax paper.
15. Allow the mixture to cool for about 1 hour.
16. Cut the bars in about 4 1/2 x 1 1/2 inch bars.

Recipe adapted from Pastry Queen cookbook. 

Did you already know...
-In 1930, three cranberry growers formed Ocean Spray.
-The companies first product sold was jellied cranberry sauce.
-Cranisins were first introduced in 1993.