31/07/2010

I ate 6 scones today


Caramelized onion, thyme and cheese scones (makes 12)

So I scrubbed the kitchen floor this morning- physical labor always deserves a treat, this is what I made:

380g of strong white bread flour - sifted (but plain will do)
3tsps baking powder
1/2 tsp salt (maldon salt is pretty unbeatable)
1/2 nut of nut meg grated 
50mls of milk
50mls of olive oil
2 medium eggs
1/2 cup of melted butter (I'm generous; do what feels right here)
Large knob of butter (for caramelizing the onion)
350g mature cheddar cheese grated
1 large onion (but more is always better)
1/2 cup of soft brown muscovado sugar
10-20 sprigs of thyme

Start by adding flour, baking powder, salt and nutmeg to a big bowl. Then add the milk, oil, eggs. When it begins to join, add the butter. This should make a nice moist dough; add the cheese and thyme, (keeping a little back). Now for the best bit, caramelize your onion. Chop your onion so you get long strands that will twirl around the inside of your scones. Heat some butter in a pan, add the onion, keep the heat real low, add the sugar; cook for 15mins (ish). Add your caramelized onions to your scone dough. Paint a 12-hole muffin tin with butter. Tear at the dough and roll into balls - place in muffin tray. Sprinkle with cheese and caramelized onions - brush with egg to keep it shiny - bake for 15-20 mins gas mark 7