Chicago Italian Cooking

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Basic Cream Scones

Here's an abbreviated recipe for scones. If you've never made scones before, check out a basic cookbook and follow the technique for cutting in butter, etc.  Toward the end of the steps, when the dough is almost ready to come together to pat into a circle, I add the berries. For this recipe, I used 2 of those little pints, which was a bit much and I had to bake them a couple minutes longer. Next time I'd break the berries apart and use less of them. I've made this recipe plain, with cinnamon/nuts, mini chocolate chips, craisins & grated orange peel ... it's just a good, basic recipe. Make sure you mix this gently and avoid overworking the dough or it'll come out tough and dense.

In a mixing bowl, combine: 2 cups flour, 1 generous Tblsp. baking powder, 4 Tblsp. sugar, 7 Tblsp. cold butter, cut in pcs. Using a pastry blender, cut the mixture together... set aside. 

In a cup: whisk together: 1/2 C. cream (half & half) and 1 egg, pour it over the flour mixture and GENTLY fold it together. Don't overmix it; it SHOULD be lumpy. Add fruit or chocolate chips or whatever else you care to add while the dough is still unmixed (dried cranberries & orange rind is good, chopped nuts... the options are endless).

Gently blend dough until it forms into a loose ball- pat into a circle, 10-12" thick on a floured board. Cut in 8-10 wedges and put them on a greased sheet. Brush a little bit of cream on each wedge and sprinkle with sugar before baking - 400 degree oven for approx. 13-15 minutes, until tops are golden. Yum!

Zucchini bread

I alter almost ALL quick breads and make them 100% moister and cut the fat content wayyyyy down by eliminating the OIL in the recipe and substituting it with ANY flavor (depending on the recipe you're making) with BABY FOOD!!! Applesauce works good too, but baby food has a silkier texture and a lot more flavor!

Zucchini Bread

Mix together & set aside:
2 cups white flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1-1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 tsp. ground cloves

In another bowl, add all ingredients below & mix well:
3 eggs
1/2 C. applesauce OR baby food (squash, bananas, applesauce, pears... whatever!)
1 C. white sugar
1/2 C. light sour cream
1 tsp. vanilla
2 C. peeled & shredded zucchini
(Add a cup of chopped walnuts, if desired)

Add the dry ingredients & stir gently until mixed well.

Pour batter in a greased & floured loaf pan and bake in a 325 degree oven for approx. 50-60 minutes - test center with toothpick & when it comes out clean, it's done. It may take a little longer- or not... it depends on your oven, so test the center and make sure it's not 'wet'. Cool in pan for 15 minutes, then remove.