Tweaked Apple Scones

Scones are always a favorite around here. My goal is to keep things as varied as possible which means experimenting with many ideas. I start with a concept and go from there. Sometimes, I succeed on the first try. At other times, I have been known to bake the same thing three times in a row just to tweak a recipe ever so slightly until it meets my idea of perfection.



My first batch of apple scones this week was good but not great. The apple flavor I was looking for wasn't coming through enough and the texture was too much like muffins. I played around with it all morning until it was just right.



Apple Scones (makes 10)
If you are not concerned about gluten or wheat, you can use 1 cup all-purpose and 1 cup of whole-wheat white flour instead. You'll also want to omit the xantham.

1/2 cup brown rice flour
1/2 cup sorghum flour
1/2 cup tapioca flour
1/2 cup millet flour
1/4 teaspoon xantham gum
1 tablespoon GF baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup turbinado sugar, or granulated
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 tablespoon vegetable oil, or roasted walnut oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, diced
1 large egg, beaten
1/2 cup soymilk, or lowfat milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup walnut pieces, optional
1 cup cooking apple skin on, diced small


400F preheated oven
oiled cookie-sheet


Place the flours, xantham, baking powder, salt, sugar, and spices in a bowl and mix well.
Drizzle the oil on top and add the butter. With your fingers, work those ingredients in until the flour is well coated and forms clumps when squeezed (this should take about 2 minutes).
In a smaller bowl, combine the egg, milk and vanilla.
Form a well in the middle of the flour bowl and pour in the wet ingredients. With a wooden spoon, make circular motions to mix and form the batter. Add the diced apples.
Divide the batter into 10 patties on the prepared cookie-sheet. Place walnut pieces, if using, on top of each scones. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until bottom of scones look golden.
These are best enjoyed the same day.



Here's another wonderful scone recipe...
Pumpkin Chocolate Scones