My daughter mentioned the other day how our food staples have changed over the years. When she was little we had simpler; is that even a word? Meals such as chicken broccoli alfredo; burritos, Kielbasa and beans that were a big part of the meal rotation. Today we have a fish tacos, pulled pork with coleslaw, One-pot pastas and skillet chicken dishes. She credited it to having a larger kitchen; I am not so sure that is what it is.


I think it had a lot to do with the food programs on TV. My DVR is filled with Chopped, Cutthroat Kitchen, Barefoot Contessa,

and The Chew episodes.  No they are not all mine; both of my kids watch cooking shows too. I think that the cast of The Chew have one of the best jobs on TV. I would LOVE to hang out with my friends and test and taste new recipes and cocktails. I think my friends and I could totally pull off a show like that; at least I think we are pretty funny and we have sure eaten some very good food over the years.

I think by watching cooking shows, I get inspired to make what they are making. I will also admit that every time I see the Disney movie Ratatouille I make a pot of soup. The other day I was watching The Chew and Carla was making a Orange and Currant Scone. I have never had a currant, honestly didn’t even really know what it is. In case you also don’t know; it is a dried seedless grape. I am not a fan of raisins so I was a little hesitant to buy currants but I really wanted to try the scones.


I HAVE to share with you two unsolicited quotes/praises from my husband and daughter.  My husband said after trying the scone “I would have never ordered a currant scone before; now I will” and my daughter said “Mom here is another thing you make better than any bakery” I am pretty sure there are no higher praises than those. I will be making them again soon, as I have more currants to use.


ORANGE AND CURRANT SCONES

3 1/2 cups flour (plus additional for dusting)
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1 1/2 sticks butter (chilled, grated)
2/3 cup currants
2 eggs (plus 1 egg yolk, divided)
1 1/4 cups heavy cream
1 orange (zested)
2 tablespoons milk

Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Sift flour, baking powder, salt, sugar and clove together. Set aside.

Add the butter, toss in the flour and work, using your hands, into the flour mixture. Add the currants.

In a large bowl add the eggs, heavy cream and orange zest. Gently mix the cream mixture into the flour mixture using a fork until just combined. Do not overmix.

Remove the dough to a lightly floured surface and form into a 1-inch thick round. Cut into wedges and transfer to the parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving 1 to 2 inches between each scone.

In a small bowl combine the egg yolk and milk. Brush over the scones and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.