Mom’s ginger scones for Mother’s Day
Dear Mom,
It’s Mother’s Day and unfortunately I couldn’t spend the day with you. But that doesn’t mean you’re not in my thoughts! Of course, as always, I’m a bit tardy with your card and gift. We could chalk that up to my working at weekly magazines and always being a bit out of sync with the calendar. Though I’m usually thinking ahead, and by using that logic I should have thought last Sunday was Mother’s Day. No matter, it’s a bad excuse.
In any case, I just wanted to thank you for being such a generous, thoughtful and patient mom—I know that growing up I could be quite the handful. And while I didn’t appreciate eating healthy when I was a kid, I’m now very grateful for the education you gave me on organic and local foods. You’ve provided me with a solid foundation for making the right decisions with what I eat. Plus, I have fond memories of getting ladybugs for our organic garden and learning to savor the nuances of carob.
I enjoyed our visit last month and I’m pleased we spent some time together in the kitchen. And while everything you bake is always delectable, I think the latest addition to your repertoire—ginger scones—is near the top of my list. When I woke up to a house filled with such a divine smell, I swooned. And as with all your baked goods, it was love at first bite. The pastry was so flavorful with such a delicate, tender crumb. But what made those scones rise above the rest was the spiciness of the ginger coupled with the crunch of raw sugar sprinkled on top.
So since I can’t spend the day with you, I thought the second-best way to honor you would be to share this treat—thanks for sending me the recipe! And in the meantime, here are some lilacs for you to enjoy…
…And yes, your card and gift are in the mail. I love you! Happy Mother’s Day!
Mom's ginger scones
Ingredients
- 1 stick unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1/4 cup unpacked brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup crystallized ginger chips
- Turbinado sugar, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425° F.
- Melt the butter. Mix together the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, cream of tartar, and salt.
- Make a well in the dry mixture and stir in egg, milk, and melted butter. Stir until blended, then stir in the crystallized ginger chips.
- Spoon hand-sized balls of dough on greased cookie sheet and sprinkle the tops with the raw sugar. Bake 10-15 minutes, or until lightly browned. Serve warm. They’re best eaten the day they’re made, but will keep covered for 1 day.
Your photos are stunning!
These scones sound like heaven!
Its the first time I view your blog. And I can only say WOW, WOW !!
I will add you to my favorites, if you don’t mind.
Kisses from Spain
This is the second time crystallized ginger has come up during my visits to your blog.
Luckily, I have a very good bulk store nearby that sells candied ginger and turns over the inventory pretty quickly. Fresh crystallized ginger should be pretty snappy hot for about 10 seconds, then the heat subsides.
You can make your own quite easily.Any suggestions HT ?
I’d peel a whack of it, bury it in regular or turbinado sugar, pich of salt, see ya in 3 weeks. What do you think?
Yes, your mom is very proud of you. She told me a couple of months ago to check out your blog, and I have enjoyed lurking every once in a while. I don’t know if you remember me as it has been so long and so brief a visit we had. Remember when your mother, you and I all caught the play in NYC just after you had moved to your 4th or 5th floor loft all those years ago? I just might make these scones, but I’m making the pecan pie your grandmother made first! Love to you, Annette
Christine–The lilacs do smell good, as do the scones.
Patricia–Why thank you!
Pilar–Muchas gracias!
Tommy–I don’t know if you’re method would work or not, but it’s worth a try. Most recipes I’ve seen call for a slow simmer to form the crystals.
Annette–Wow! It’s been a while but of course I remember you! I have fond memories of my first few days of living here and staying at the Waldorf. And I can’t listen to the soundtrack of Cats without thinking about how nice you and mom were to me, especially as I agonized over finding an apartment. Thanks for saying hello and enjoy the pie!