Proper British Scones

Finally found a simple recipe for a true scone. They are easy to make from things you already have in your pantry right now. I added some raisins (because I don't have currants in my pantry). Five minutes of assembly, mixing, a little knead, and pop them in the oven for 13 minutes. Start the kettle. Delicious straight from the oven in less than twenty minutes total.

Accomplished Young Lady -- Proper British Scones

I wanted to make scones because I had some Rhubarb, Strawberry and Ginger Jam that I made last week to try. I found this recipe in The Cook and the Gardener by Amanda Hesser.  The rhubarb in the garden is finally grown enough to cut small amounts from occasionally. I added a few strawberries because they were shriveling on my counter, which just concentrates the sugars and flavor intensity. I cooked it too long, but Brad rescued it by adding a little hot water and stirring it until it loosened up.

Rhubarb-Ginger Preserves

2 cups of rhubarb, trimmed and cut into 1/2 inch lengths

1 T candied ginger, chopped

Juice of 1/2 orange

1 1/2 cups sugar

1. Place the rhubarb in a pot twice its size, add the ginger, 

orange juice and sugar and let macerate overnight.

2. The next day, slowly bring the fruit and sugar to a boil,
 stirring often.

 Simmer over medium heat, until it reaches 220 degrees. 
Skim the surface while it simmers. 

Sterilize a jar and lid. Pour jam into jar while it is hot. 

Keep in the fridge and use within a week 
OR can properly in a water bath for long term storage.

One of my newest obsessions is listening to podcasts while I walk. Seems to keep my mind occupied while I go 'round. Lynn Rosetto Kasper is the QUEEN of cooking, so warm, entertaining and delicious. Give it a try:

Splendid Table

Also, I picked up the latest copy of Country Living from Borders and I've been spending time curling up with these beauties:

British Country Living Magazine and Cath Kidston Online Magazine

All of this started because I've been cruising around the blogosphere searching for British blogs. These were some that have that feeling of real everyday life in England. Maybe I am just missing it because I was there last year at this time. Or possibly the rain this morning makes me dreamy. Mix up some scones, steep a cup of tea and soak up the atmosphere:

MaryJane's Tearoom

Hen House

Sarah-Jane Down the Lane

Curlew Country