Cookie Bookie

"Snow" Scones

1 package active dry yeast (2 ¼  teaspoons)

2 teaspoons sugar

1/3 cup warm (105-115 degree) water

1 c. buttermilk, warmed

¼ c. sugar

3 tablespoons butter, melted

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

4 cups all-purpose flour

1 egg*

Oil for frying

Honey Butter (recipe below)

Instructions:

Dissolve the yeast and 2 teaspoons sugar in warm water. Let stand about 10 minutes or until very bubbly and frothy.

In the bowl of a stand mixture, mix the buttermilk, sugar, melted butter, and salt until completely dissolved. Add baking powder and 2 cups of flour to the milk mixture and beat on low for 30 seconds, scraping sides of bowl constantly. Add yeast mixture and beat on high for 3 minutes.

Add the egg and mix until completely combined. Then stir in remaining 2 cups flour.  You may need a little more or a little less flour, add as much as needed to make a soft dough. This dough should be very soft–it will be coming away from the sides of the bowl, but it will still stick to your finger when you touch it. Place the bowl in a warm place and cover with a clean towel; allow to rise 1 hour or is doubled in bulk.

When the dough has risen, lightly sprinkle a large, clean work surface with flour. Punch down the dough and then roll it to about 1/4″ thick. Using a sharp knife or a pizza wheel, cut the dough into fourths vertically and horizontally so you have 16 pieces. Separate the dough pieces slightly so they have enough room to rise. Cover with a clean cloth.

In a large, heavy pan, heat about 2-3 inches of oil over medium heat until it reaches 350-360 degrees (use a thermometer). (You can use an electric skillet -- turn it as high as it can go and it should be the right temperature.)  When hot, work in batches adding dough pieces and cook until golden brown on one side, then flip and cook the other side. Repeat with remaining dough pieces. Serve immediately smeared with honey butter and a sprinkle of powdered sugar “snow”.  

*Recipe can be doubled, use 3 eggs if doubled.

Honey Butter

½ cup butter, room temperature

1/3 cup honey or to taste

Mix together and serve with warm scones!

Our family tradition --  We make these scones on the day of the first snow of the year.  We spread them with honey butter then dust them with powdered sugar – like snow!

Makes 16 scones