| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 400 | 20g | 12g | 50g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 15g | 2g | 6g | 0.2g |
When the morning sun peeks through the kitchen window, and a delicious aroma wafts through the house, you know it’s for the inviting Salal Berry Scones. These delicacies, to me, are far more than just an amalgamation of well-blended culinary elements but a tangible slice of home and heritage, all baked to perfection in my modern-day Boston kitchen.
A Homage to my Roots
Reminiscent of my Irish heritage, these weeks-old scones remind me of Sunday breakfasts with my grandparents. The blend of the slightly tart salal berries and the comforting delicacy of the scones offers a taste of both Australian wilderness from where the Salal Berries originate and the distinct charm of the Irish recipes that my family treasures.
Now living with my beloved Laura and our baby boy, I take immense pleasure in watching my small family relish this beloved recipe, creating cherished memories just like I did with my grandparents.
Health in Every Bite
But this recipe isn’t just about savoring the good times; it’s a nod to better health too. Salal Berries are known for their antioxidant properties. They help boost the immune system, contribute to heart health, and play a role in digestion. Teamed with nutritious ingredients like whole flour and the zest of lemon, my Salal Berry Scones serve as a guilt-free indulgence that goes beyond weekend breakfast treats.
Aptly served with a warm cup of Irish cream or a side of fresh fruit salad, they add a dash of wholesome sweet delight to your palette. Not to mention, their health benefits align perfectly with the good-for-you ethos of our family.
Also, it’s not uncommon to catch a whiff of my Salal Berry Scones and be reminded of warm British scones or rustic Irish freckles bytheir shared fluffy texture and flavorful inclusions. Although they’re uniquely their entity, they share a universal appeal with a myriad of other delightful bakery items.
Somehow I find that the Salal Berry Scones have a unique way of making our kitchen feel more like home, while respecting my roots, cater to my health-conscious lifestyle, and serve as a delectable treat that my loved ones can’t help but fall in love with, much like I did many years ago in my grandparent’s Irish home.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
- 3/4 cup fresh salal berries
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- Additional heavy cream for brushing
- Additional sugar for sprinkling
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
Step Two
In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Mix well to distribute the ingredients evenly.
Step Three
Add 1/2 cup of chilled, small pieces of unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Use either your hands or a pastry cutter to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Then, gently stir in 3/4 cup of fresh salal berries until they are coated with the flour mixture.
Step Four
In a separate bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup of heavy cream, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of lemon zest. Slowly pour this mixture into the flour and berry mixture.
Step Five
Stir until a dough begins to form. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable. If it’s too dry, add a bit more cream.
Step Six
Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it briefly until it comes together. Pat the dough into a round, flat disc about 1 inch thick. Using a dough cutter or a sharp knife, cut the dough into 8 equal wedges.
Step Seven
Place the wedges on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the top of each scone with some additional heavy cream and sprinkle a generous amount of sugar on top.
Step Eight
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the scones are golden brown. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to continue cooling. Serve warm, and enjoy your delicious Salal Berry Scones.
