| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Moderate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 452 | 16g | 7g | 75g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 37g | 3g | 8g | 0.6g |
When I think of recipes that encapsulate the heart of my culinary style, I often land on Fruit-Based delights such as these Anise and Honey Scones. Each bite teems with a delicate blend of sweet dried fruit, aromatic Anise seeds, and decadent honey, all lovingly nestled in a flaky scone exterior.
A Blend of Healthy and Comforting Ingredients
Naturally, a dish with such a complex blend of flavours doesn’t skimp on its health benefits. Scones are a staple of the typical American diet, and I’ve always made sure to infuse a dose of West Coast health-conscious thinking into my versions. This recipe includes a cast of ingredients like mixed fruits and honey, offering the beneficial antioxidants and natural sweetness that I love incorporating into my dishes. Anise seeds, in particular, are a personal favorite of mine for their digestive benefits and slightly sweet, aromatic flavor.
Adding a Touch of California Sunshine
Much like the sunny valleys of California where I was raised, these Anise and Honey Scones bring to mind bountiful orchards, lush vineyards, and a relaxed, unhurried pace of life. The use of dried fruits hints at forest trails dotted with apricot and cranberry, while a dash of honey adds a touch of sweetness that has always reminded me of quiet afternoons spent in local bee farms. Needless to say, they would pair perfectly with a glass of a light, fruity rosé from our world-renowned wineries.
In terms of similar offerings, these scones bear a certain likeness to the classic Irish Soda Bread, with their hearty texture and dried fruit content, but with a distinctively Californian twist. And if you’re looking for a complete meal, they’d work amazingly well as a dessert or even as a decadent breakfast option when paired with a green leafy salad, or a bright, juicy avocado toast.
All in all, the Anise and Honey Scones are a testament to my lifelong love affair with food that comforts and nourishes. I hope that they provide you the same warmth and satisfaction that they’ve given me and my family over the years.
What You’ll Need
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon anise seeds
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold
- 1 cup dried mixed fruits (like currants, cranberries, apricots)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon milk (for glaze)
- Additional sugar for topping (optional)
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and anise seeds.
Step Two
Cut in the cold unsalted butter into the dry mix until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Stir in the dried mixed fruits.
Step Three
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, honey, and egg until well mixed. Gradually add this to the flour mixture and stir until a dough forms.
Step Four
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead lightly until the dough comes together. Flatten the dough into a 1 inch thick disk.
Step Five
Cut the disk into 8 wedges and arrange these on a baking sheet. Brush each scone with a bit of milk and sprinkle with additional sugar if you prefer.
Step Six
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the scones are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the scones to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your Anise and Honey Scones warm, with a cup of your favorite tea or coffee.
