Merry December, Buttermilk Scones and a Giveaway....

 I meant to have this post and new banner up yesterday, but you can see how well I did with that. Better late than never though, right?   As previously mentioned, I've fallen into a dark hole known as Catering-during-Christmas, and while it's awfully hard to stay afloat, I'm troding along determined not to sink too far in.  So, while I'm not getting things done in the timely fashion I'd hoped to, I am getting them done, and I guess that counts for something, right?

One of the things I want to get done is some great cooking and making that I can share here, with you. Lots of great recipes are coming, I promise.  Another is to host a series of giveaways for you lovely readers.  I have always loved cooking and baking but didn't realize how much I loved writing about it until I came here and started this.  I wouldn't be able to do it without the support and comments of you readers, and I'd like to thank you with these giveaways. 

Each Wednesday, through the month of December I will have something wonderful for you to win.  Two days later, on Friday, I will announce the winner of the giveaway and will allow that person 24 hours to get in touch with their mailing address, at which point the items will be sent out immediately.  I'm excited for this and hope you enjoy it as well.

Since baking is near and dear to my heart I thought I would start with a wonderful, favourite book of mine, Tartine by Elizabeth Prueitt.  A classic that is a must-have for any baker, you will not be disappointed with these easy to follow, yet sophisticated recipes.  For those of you in California, I'm sure you're familiar with Tartine Bakery, which I've heard is quite incredible. 

We made the above buttermilk scones, adapted from a recipe out of Tartine, and they were easy and delicious.  For you readers planning to host a holiday brunch, these would be a wonderful addition to the table or surprise your kiddies with breakfast in bed (we did this yesterday, and on a school day!) and serve these with a cold glass of milk.  They would also make a great packaged-up gift for a grandparent or teacher.

So, leave your comment and I'll be back Friday morning to announce the winner.  I'll try to be on time but if I'm late, forgive me, for that's just how things are rolling these days.

Orange Buttermilk Scones, adapted from Tartine

4 3/4 cups of all purpose flour
1 tbsp baking powder
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup chilled butter, diced
1/2 cup raisins
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
2 tbsp orange zest

~ Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
~ Combine the flour, baking powder and baking soda in a medium mixing bowl and whisk well.  Add the sugar and salt and mix to combine. 
~ Add the butter and cut it into the flour until what you have resembles a course meal.
~ Add the buttermilk, raisins and zest and mix with a wooden spoon.  Add more buttermilk if needed to make it all come together.
~ Dust your counter with flour, and press dough into a 8" x 5" rectangle.  Cut the dough into triangles, brush the tops with milk and sprinkle with coarse sugar and a little orange zest.
~ Place on a parchment-lined baked sheet and bake for 25 minutes. 
~ Enjoy!

Comments

[Stephanie]

Well, I just joined a gym today, so I *guess* it's probably ok to enter the contest for this amazing-looking cookbook, since I can just go work it all off if I win, right? (Do I sound convincing to you? Because I don't sound convincing to me...)
Thanks!

[Jennifer]

If it's a must have for bakers then I must have it as I am an avide baker! Can't wait to look into the recipes and try this scone one.

[Kerry]

Oh, I have some buttermilk left over from the weekend and I was wondering what to do with it. I guess I'll be baking this afternoon! Thank you! I love the new banner so much. It really turned out well. The giveaway is terrific too. You are so generous! I have heard of Tartine and am looking forward to checking out this book whether I win, or have to try to find it at the local library. Thanks again Jan!

[mamaloves]

You're amazing to do all that you do. Thanks for this opportunity. This book looks delicious. I'm looking forward to doing some major Christmas baking. As you know when you have kids everything becomes about them and I'm finding this Christmas will be mostly for my girls and this mama will have very little under the tree. It's all worth it but this book would be a nice treat just for me. Thanks again.

[Lori]

A baking book would be great as I am the chief cook and baking is my real love and passion. Would love an early Christmas gift!
Thanks,
Lori

[Tonya]

We *love* freshly made scones here! My children don't know how very lucky they are ;-) We'd love a new book of yummy recipes!

[M.J. Jacobsen]

You are one busy person! The scones look delish, will try to make them this weekend!

[zarpandit]

scones look delicious!yummy :) your giveaway great! i love this cook book :)) thanks!

gokchecoskun@gmail.com

[RachelM]

I've recently discovered your blog from Smitten Kitchen - and I really enjoy your recipes. Thanks for sharing with us!

[Ginger & Pickle]

holly jolly
sugar and spice
winning this
would be better than nice!

thanks for another great give away!
best wishes!

[Bianca]

These look so good!!! Scones remind me of being a kid...my mom loved to make them and this would be a great addition to our house!

[meg]

I've always loved to cook but have only in the last year or so discovered the joy in baking...this looks like a lovely book to experiment with! Thanks so very much!

[Sophie]

I have always loved to bake - as an teenager and young adult I was always responsible for baking cakes or desserts for special occasions and, before kids, I could spend a whole days baking cakes!

Baking is one thing my son and I love to do together and, even thoughI don't spend the day in the kitchen anymore, I still love the chemistry and the art of baking.

Love the scone recipe! Sophie