Apple-Cheddar Scones

Autumn is coming on fast here in northern Wisconsin. Last year at this time, everything was still very green. But we've had a spate of cool nights, a few damp days here and there and a host of glorious sunny days in the past few weeks. Cool nights and sunny days make for red and gold leaves.

And they are turning already, along the road out to the university and even in town. Last year's autumn was long and lingering, but I suspect this one will be quick. Our spring was earlier.

What does this have to do with food? Nothing, really, except that foods typically associated with a season enhance your enjoyment of that time of year.

Most people claim fall as their favorite season up here. Apples are plentiful and this being Wisconsin, so is cheese.

I baked these scones tonight (I've decided to experiment with a new seasonal recipe each month).

Apple-Cheddar-Walnut Scones

  • 1 1/2 cups flour (I used whole wheat pastry flour and white flour)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4-1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (depends on your preference)
  • 1/4 cup sugar (I used fructose)
  • 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup applesauce
  • 1/3 cup walnuts, chopped


Preheat oven to 400. In large bowl, combine dry ingredients. Cut in the butter, using a pastry tool or your fingers to create a grainy texture. In a small bowl, blend the buttermilk, cheese, applesauce and walnuts. Add the moist mix to the dry mix and blend thoroughly. Divide into 8 balls and place on ungreased cookie sheet or use a greased scone pan. Bake for about 20 minutes, until a knife inserted into the center indicates the scones are thoroughly baked. The scones will be a golden brown. Serve warm, with apple butter.

The true test for scones is how they do when warmed over. These held their moisture, a rare feat for a scone.


Comments

Christine said…
Beautiful scones Mimi. Now I have two scone recipes of your that I have to make!
You're becoming a very prolific blogger girl, and I really enjoy reading your offerings.
Jann said…
Special times and wonderful food..........these scones do lookdelicious....a real fall treat! Happy cooking
Unknown said…
Thank, both of you for the encouragement. I started this as an experiment so I could have my students do news blogs (and know what I was talking about), but I think i'm going to keep it up.

I froze all but two of the scones — a bit rich!
Katie said…
I miss fall colors!
But I'll definitely try the scones! I also miss Haralson apples, but there is a local orchard I found and I'm going 'tasting' this week. This is the only time of year I miss Wisconsin....
L Vanel said…
Well that's the way to do it. I love cheddar & apples.
Anonymous said…
I wish we had Fall colors like that. Two years ago my father, sister and I drove out to Wisconsin to visit one of our other sisters (she lives in Fitchburg). It was early October and the colors were just phenomenal.

The scones look delicious!
Unknown said…
Andrea, you should travel to northern Wisconsin! I lived for 10 years in Madison, and for the most part, the colors are muted there — lots of oak and aspen but very little sugar maple.

I will take some photos in a week or so and post them We will peak early this year.
Mahek said…
mimi
you wont believe it but its a coincidence that i was planning to make scones which i have never made in my life nor have i seen them being made so a experiment and i saw your recipe.but its not possible for me to follow your recipe as we do not get applesauce in india and also some other ingredients .
i found a recipe at joyofbaking of a simple scone without eggs i will be trying that out.
can you give me a recipe for a basic scone and also of a basic pancake my son loves pancakes.
Unknown said…
Mahek, I have e-mailed you a link I use for basic scone recipes.

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