I can’t remember the last time I had scones but my memories of eating them at home are the happiest. I have said it before, my mother was always a great cook and when I was a child I used to marvel how easy it was for her to work the dough and how fast we could taste the wonderful scones warm from the oven with jam. She made it look so easy!
Although scones originated in Scotland and said to have taken the name from the Stone of Destiny (or Scone) where Scottish kings were once crowned, in Portugal we also have the habit of eating them for breakfast or tea. That is why for my weekly healthy breakfast, I chose to adapt a Portuguese recipe of Mafalda Pinto Leite. I loved the consistency and the flavour really reminded me of home.
Instead of the traditional tea, I chose a healthy smoothie also adapted from Mafalda Pinto Leite. It is tasty and refreshing. The bananas, mixed berries and oats will give you energy in the morning.
Scones
Makes 12
- 3 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup milk with 1 tbsp of lemon juice
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp sugar plus more to sprinkle
- 125 g/4.4 oz unsalted butter, melted, extra for brushing over the scones
- slivered almonds to sprinkle
- Preheat oven to 200ºC/400ºF. Line one or two baking trays with parchment paper.
- In a big bowl mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In another big bowl mix the milk with the lemon juice, the egg and the sugar.
- Add 2/3 of the flour to the wet batter and constantly stirring, gradually add the melted butter until well incorporated. Add the rest of the flour and work the dough. It should have a thick consistency, add more flour if necessary. Tip the dough into a floured surface, roll it out until it gets to 1.5cm/0.6 in. Use a cookie cutter to cut dough circles.
- Place the dough circles in the baking tray. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with the slivered almonds and sugar. I used brown sugar to sprinkle. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden. Serve warm or at room temperature with jam of your choice (I served them with homemade Guava Jam) . You are going to love it!
Banana Berry Oatmeal Smoothie
Serves 2
- 2 ripe bananas
- 300 ml/10 fl oz skimmed milk (or half skimmed milk, half low fat yogurt)
- 2 tbsp oat flakes
- 1 cup frozen mixed berries
In an electrical blender, blend all the ingredients until smooth and creamy. Enjoy!
