VANILLA BEAN SCONES :: a sweet treat recipe

We celebrated Matt's birthday on Wednesday!

He likes things pretty simple.  When I asked if he wanted to go out to celebrate, or have me cook a birthday dinner, he decided he wanted to stay in and enjoy a birthday dinner at home.

Fine by me!

He asked for beef tacos with corn tortillas....corn tortillas that are deep fried.  I {obviously} complain about how labor intensive the tortillas are, because for him it was a real treat......sweet guy.

Anyways, for his birthday breakfast, he asked for Vanilla Bean Scones.  I thought I would share the recipe.  They are really simple and they always turn out perfectly!  These scones have a hint of sweetness, and the perfect amount of vanilla.  The perfect compliment to a cup of hot coffee or tea!

VANILLA BEAN SCONES

Ingredients ::

2 cups plus 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 cup sugar 1 tablespoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 12 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, diced 2 extra-large eggs, lightly beaten 1/2 cup cold heavy cream 1 vanilla bean, scraped, or 2 tsp. of good vanilla extract

GLAZE :: 1 vanilla bean, scraped  ||  1/2 cup confectioners' sugar  ||  2 tablespoons of cream or milk

In a mixer, combine flour, vanilla sugar, baking powder and salt using the paddle attachment.  Cut the cold butter into 1/2 inch pieces.  Add the butter to the dry ingredients and mix on low until the butter is mixed in and is the size of peas.  In a separate bowl, mix together eggs, whipping cream and scraped vanilla bean goodness with a fork.  Turn the mixer on low and slowly add the cream and egg mixture.  Turn off the mixer once added.

Dust the counter with flour.  Turn the dough out onto the floured surface.  Add some flour onto the top of the dough, then pat it out into a disk - about 8-9 inches in diameter.  Cut the disk into 6 pieces like a pie.

Separate the pieces and put them on a silpat or parchment lined baking sheet.  Bake at 400 degrees for 15-17 minutes.

To make the glaze, stir together cream,  vanilla bean goodness and powdered sugar.  Glaze them while they are still hot.

Enjoy!!