Day 26 – Rosemary Manchego Scones

Sunday night we broke our chocolate streak with Rosemary Mancheco Scones from InterCourses.  Scones are usually something served with tea, but we opted to relax with some wine on Sunday afternoon.

Process

I would never have attempted to make scones if it wasn’t for this challenge to get out of the box and not only cook, but cook unique eats.  Scones has always seemed complicated and a bit of a gourmet recipe.  However, when I read the recipe in InterCourses, its simplicity built my courage to make these special scones.  Not to mention it sounded too tasty to pass on.

The recipe requires:

3 cups self-rising flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper, 1⁄2 cup finely chopped rosemary or less if desired, 1 tablespoon sugar, 8 tablespoons  (1⁄2 cup) chilled lard however I used shortening, 1⁄2 to 11⁄2 cups grated Manchego cheese, depending on how cheesy you like your scones, and 1 cup buttermilk.

First I preheated the oven to 400 degrees and lined a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Then the recipe is as follows:

Place the flour, salt, pepper, rosemary, and sugar in a food processor and pulse just to combine. Add the lard and pulse just until the mixture becomes the texture of coarse meal. Place the mixture into a large mixing bowl and add the cheese and buttermilk, stirring until just combined. Remove the mixture to a floured surface. Using your hands, quickly work the dough into a circle about 8 inches wide and 1⁄4 inch high. Cut the circle into 8 wedges with a sharp knife, as if cutting a pizza. Place the wedges on the baking sheet and bake for 13 to 18 minutes, or until just barely golden brown. Be careful not to overcook, as the scones will harden.

The scones are best eaten immediately, split open with a thick smear of softened butter or make a mini sandwich with more Manchego cheese and a slice of turkey.

Results

The scent of rosemary engulfs your home as you bake these scones.  The aroma alone will put you in a romantic mood.  We were ready to wind  down and chill outside in our patio as we enjoyed these warm scones and our wine.  While we chatted and caught up with each other our little one played in the yard.  Igniting romance isn’t just about the physical action, but also about the stimulation of attraction and conversation for us.  And these scones were the center of attraction to bring us together and take a moment to connect.