Cranberry Scones for Breakfast

I fell back on an oldie but a goodie this morning, as I whipped up a batch of Cranberry Scones to accompany my morning tea. 

I return to this recipe time and time again, as these scones always turn out wonderfully, however this morning when I decided to make some on a whim I realized I didn't have any half and half - it's not something I normally keep in the house. Before panicking, I decided to substitute yoghurt for the cream, however upon opening my container of Greek yoghurt I realized it had gone bad. 

It must be Monday morning. 

Unwilling to abandon my desire for fresh Cranberry scones I turned to the internet, and although the options were lacking, I decided to chance the recipe using some some sour cream. 

Luckily the scones turned out as wonderful as always, and now that I know they can be so delicious without half and half I am unlikely to go back - it will be only healthier Greek yoghurt or sour cream moving forward!

The scones, heading into the oven

Fresh and juicy from the oven and ready to be devoured

I've shared the recipe before, in it's original context, (adapted from Martha Stewart), however here is my revised recipe using sour cream...

Ingredients:

2 cups flour

5 tablespoons sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

6 tablespoons chilled butter

2/3 cup sour cream

1 tablespoon milk

2/3 cup frozen cranberries

Process:

Combine the dry ingredients and then cut in the chilled butter using a pastry blender. Add the sour cream and milk and stir to combine. Add the frozen cranberries. You may want to use your hands at this point as it can be hard to get the dough to form a ball, however be careful not to overwork the dough as it will make your scones tough. As these scones are quite rustic, don't worry about making every little bit of flour come together. Move the dough onto the counter and work into a disc shape, about 1/2 and inch thick - again these are meant to be rustic. Slice into wedges and place on a greased baking sheet. Bake at 425 degrees for 12-15 minutes or until the bottoms begin to brown. Let cool slightly before consuming. 

Recipe Synopsis: 

Taste: The scone is light, not too sweet, and the cranberries add a lovely juicy tartness.

Texture: Flaky pastry and plump juicy cranberries.  

Wow Factor: Although intended to look rustic, the scones are still quite lovely and would make a wonderful gift 

Difficulty: Quite simple and fast, the recipe only requires one bowl. The most difficult part is bringing the dough together and not trying to make everything perfect. 

Serve With: A hot cup of tea or coffee for breakfast, or tuck into a lunch bag for a morning snack.

Say 'I Love You' with Breakfast in Bed this Valentine's Day

Romantic Parisian breakfast (via)

My boyfriend and I aren't big into Valentine's Day. Not because we're jaded and think the card companies and florists are out to get us, or because we like going against the established norm, we just simply feel that there are so many opportunities to show love for one another that make a heart shaped box of candy seem a bit silly*.

Shoulder massages, a card to say "I'm thinking of you", scrapping the others windshield after a heavy snowfall... there are endless ways to show someone you care that don't cost a lot, and a delicious breakfast in bed may be my new favorite!

My favorite for many reasons, it's hard to beat a great breakfast, I love this idea because it allows you to be really creative. Although bacon and eggs or pancakes may be traditional, if you're trying to eat healthy or pull this off mid-week it isn't very practical. Instead of trying to create something enormous and complex why not go for simple and charming using your loved one's favorite ingredients? 

Some inspiration to get the gears turning...

For a fresh and healthy start to the day, why not opt for a fruit and yogurt parfait or half a grapefruit with some whole grain toast? It may not be a significant departure from the norm but will still be much appreciated with a glass of fresh squeezes orange juice or steaming coffee.

Pretty Parfaits (via)

Juicy grapefruit (via)

If you're time pressed in the mornings, a simple croissant with some sparkling cranberry juice or homemade scones (made the night before) and warm cup of chai tea are easy to prepare while making the recipient feel special. Find my all time favorite cranberry scone recipe here.

Flaky blueberry scones are hard to beat (via)

For something with a Valentine's Day twist, the classic egg in a basket becomes extra special with the help of a heart shaped cookie cutter, or try heart shaped French Toast with some beautiful red strawberries piled on top.

Eggs in a basket, Valentine's Day edition (via)

And finally, if time and effort aren't an issue, it's hard to beat a warm gooey cinnamon bun (my favorites), mouth watering Eggs Benedict, or an adorable heart shaped marshmallow bobbing in a steaming cup of hot chocolate.

Pretty little marshmallows (via)

Take a bit of extra time for the small details - cutlery rolled in a nice napkin, a crystal glass or champagne flute, butter or jam in a small side plate - and your breakfast, no matter how easy to prepare, will be all the more special. Don't forget a sweet note or romantic card reminding your sweetie of all the things you love about them.

Then, after all your hard work, snuggle in bed and enjoy a few extra minutes together before the day starts.

*With that being said, the romantic inside me awwwwes whenever a coworker gets flowers at work, and my poor boyfriend has to hear all about how beautiful they were.