Irish Buttermilk Scones

Irish Buttermilk Scones Recipe - Authentic Taste from Ireland

Region / culture: Ireland | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Irish Buttermilk Scones are a traditional Irish baked good that are perfect for breakfast or as a snack with a cup of tea. These scones are light, fluffy, and slightly sweet, making them a delicious treat for any time of day.

History

Scones have been a staple in Irish baking for centuries. Originally made with oats and cooked on a griddle, scones have evolved over time to include ingredients like flour, sugar, and buttermilk. The addition of currants and caraway seeds gives these scones a unique flavor that is both sweet and savory.

Ingredients

1.33 cups all-purpose flour
0.33 cups whole wheat flour
2 tbsp sugar
1 tsp baking powder
0.5 tsp baking soda
0.5 tsp salt
1 cup currants
1 tsp caraway seeds
1 large egg, beaten
0.75 cups buttermilk
2 tbsp butter or margarine, melted

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
Coat a baking sheet with cooking oil spray.
In a large bowl, mix together all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir well.
Add currants and caraway seeds to the dry ingredients.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, and butter.
Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and mix well until a fluffy, moist dough is formed.
Place the dough onto a lightly floured surface and lightly roll it out until it is 1 inch thick.
Using a 2-inch diameter circle cutter, cut out circles from the dough.
Glaze the scones with beaten egg or milk and place them on the baking sheet, spacing them 2-3 inches apart.
Place the baking sheet with the scones in the oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the scones are light brown on top.
This recipe makes 6 servings.

Variations

Try adding chopped nuts or dried fruit to the dough for added texture and flavor.
For a savory twist, omit the sugar and add grated cheese and herbs to the dough.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough scones.

- Use cold ingredients, such as cold buttermilk and melted butter, to ensure a flaky texture.

- For extra flavor, try adding a sprinkle of sugar on top of the scones before baking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Irish Buttermilk Scones warm with a pat of butter and a drizzle of honey for a delicious breakfast or snack.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making light and fluffy scones is to handle the dough as little as possible. Overmixing can result in tough scones, so be gentle when combining the wet and dry ingredients.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

Make Ahead Tips

Irish Buttermilk Scones can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Irish Buttermilk Scones on a decorative plate with a dollop of clotted cream and a spoonful of jam for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Irish Buttermilk Scones pair well with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a cozy breakfast or afternoon snack.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Irish Buttermilk Scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a 350°F (180°C) oven for 5-10 minutes until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Irish Buttermilk Scones contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Irish Buttermilk Scones contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Irish Buttermilk Scones contains approximately 5 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Irish Buttermilk Scones contains approximately 4 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Irish Buttermilk Scones are a good source of iron and calcium.

Alergens

Irish Buttermilk Scones contain wheat, dairy, and eggs.

Summary

Irish Buttermilk Scones are a delicious treat that are relatively low in calories and fat. They are a good source of carbohydrates, protein, iron, and calcium.

Summary

Irish Buttermilk Scones are a delicious and versatile baked good that are perfect for any time of day. With a light and fluffy texture and a slightly sweet flavor, these scones are sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory like a vivid painting on a canvas. It was a rainy autumn afternoon, and I was rummaging through an old dusty box of recipe cards in the attic. As I sifted through the yellowed papers, I stumbled upon a weathered card with faded writing that read "Irish Buttermilk Scones."

My heart skipped a beat as memories flooded back to me. I remembered the first time I tasted these scones - warm and buttery, with a hint of sweetness and a light, fluffy texture that melted in my mouth. I was at a quaint little cafe in Dublin, surrounded by the sound of laughter and the smell of freshly baked goods. The taste was unlike anything I had ever experienced before, and I knew I had to learn how to recreate it.

I must have begged the kind elderly lady at the cafe for the recipe a dozen times, but she always smiled mysteriously and shook her head, saying it was a family secret passed down through generations. Undeterred, I made it my mission to unlock the mystery of the Irish Buttermilk Scones.

Over the years, I collected bits and pieces of information from friends, family, and strangers alike. I asked every Irish person I met if they knew the secret behind those delectable scones, but no one seemed willing to divulge the recipe. It became a quest, a culinary adventure that consumed my thoughts and dreams.

One day, as luck would have it, I stumbled upon an old cookbook at a flea market. Its tattered pages were filled with traditional Irish recipes, and my heart skipped a beat when I saw the familiar words "Buttermilk Scones" written on one of the yellowed pages. I clutched the cookbook to my chest, feeling like I had struck gold.

I rushed home, eager to try out the recipe. The ingredients were simple - flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, butter, buttermilk - but the method was intricate and detailed. I followed the instructions to the letter, folding the dough gently and shaping it into perfect rounds before baking them in the oven.

As the scones rose and filled the kitchen with their heavenly aroma, I knew I had finally cracked the code. The taste was exactly as I remembered - warm, buttery, and utterly delicious. I felt a surge of pride and accomplishment as I took my first bite, savoring the familiar flavors that transported me back to that rainy afternoon in Dublin.

Since that day, the Irish Buttermilk Scones have become a staple in my kitchen. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing down the tradition of these delectable treats to the next generation. Every time I bake a batch, I am reminded of the journey I took to uncover the secret behind this beloved recipe, and I am grateful for the memories it holds.

As I sit here now, penning down the story of how I learned to make Irish Buttermilk Scones, I can't help but smile at the twists and turns of fate that led me to this culinary treasure. It may have taken years of searching and perseverance, but the reward of a warm, flaky scone fresh out of the oven is worth every moment of effort.

And so, I continue to treasure the recipe for Irish Buttermilk Scones, knowing that it holds a special place in my heart and in the hearts of those who have tasted its magic. As long as I have the ingredients and the determination to bake them, these scones will always be a part of my life, reminding me of the joy that comes from discovering a delicious secret hidden within a humble recipe card.