When life gives you....

So, I've been planning this little feature called "When life gives you...." for awhile now. The plan was to feature items from my garden and what I make with them. Yep, that was the plan. I have been so good about growing the food, preparing the food, and even taking the pictures needed for the feature. The problem here lies in me...more specifically, my inability to update this blog. Even as I type here now, I have one kid wanting me to beyblade battle him (whatever that is) and another who's woken up in tears. Blogging has definitely taken a back seat to my real life. As much as I enjoy my little space here, I feel like my days are already too short, and fitting in daily (or even weekly) posts has become increasingly difficult. Still, being as I still took the time to grow & prepare the food and take all those pictures, I suppose it would be a shame if I didn't try to make the effort to follow through with the little feature. Better late than never, right?

With that said, here's my first "When Life gives you....". Hope you enjoy!

xoxo
-L

When Life Gives you....Sour cherries, make fresh cherry scones!

First you start with fresh sour cherries. Our sour cherry bushes are still young. This is only the second year we have been able to get enough cherries from them to use them in recipes. I had enough cherries this year to be able to make this recipe and a compote for homemade vanilla ice cream.

Pick your cherries when they are firm, but plump to the touch and are medium to dark red. **Note: Be sure you pick your cherries before the birds eat them all. Our birds were fierce this year! Next year, all fruits will be netted.**
I have noticed that bing cherries are readily available and relatively cheap in the grocery store right now, so that would be a good option for those that don't garden.

The next step is to 'pit' your cherries. I don't have an actual cherry pitter (note to self: invest in cherry pitter)because I haven't found one at the local hardware store yet...maybe I need to break down and get one online, huh? I like to remove the stones while watching videos on the internet. I'm being productive and catching up on my favorite British shows all in one go.

After you've prepared your cherries, you're ready for baking.

Ingredients:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup wheat flour (you can use 2 cups of AP flour if wheat is not your thing)
1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup chilled unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup whipping cream
1/4 cup dried dates (optional)
1/2 cup fresh pitted sour cherries
1 egg, beaten

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly spray a large baking sheet with vegetable-oil cooking spray or place a piece of parchment paper on the tray.

In a large bowl, combine flour(s), 1/3 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut butter into flour mixture (I do this part with my hands) until particles are the size of small peas; stir in dates (optional). Add 1 egg, vanilla extract, and whipping cream; stir until just mixed. Fold in cherries. When making scones, work the dough quickly and do not over mix.

On a floured surface, knead dough gently. Pat or roll out the dough into a circle 1/2-inch thick. To make wedge-shaped scones, cut into 8 pieces-like cutting a pizza. Place wedges 1 1/2 inches apart onto prepared baking sheet.

Brush scones with the beaten egg; sprinkle with 2 tablespoons sugar or make a confectioners sugar syrup for scones when they come out of the oven.

Bake 15 to 18 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and serve warm.

Yields 8 scones or 16 mini scones.

So good with coffee and fruit. Yum!