We often think of scones as a British food, I guess because it’s a very British-sounding word. But when Brits say “Scone” they mean something very different from what we as Americans mean when we say “scone”. A British scone is very much like an American biscuit (although a British biscuit is very much like an American cookie or sweet cracker).
And to think, we speak the same language.
I don’t really know if the American scone has a counter-part in English cuisine, and I’m not sure why they’re always cut in triangles, or why we think they are British. There’s a lot regarding scones that confuses me, as you can see.
All of that aside, as Americans, we enjoy eating scones and pretending to be very British, because it is a lot of fun. And because you can make scones in so many yummy different flavors, kind of like biscuits and cookies.
At a tea party recently, where we were pretending that high tea was something we did on a regular basis with our pinkies in the air, I made some scone mix in a jar to give away as door prizes. Scones were on the menu, made by the fabulous Touche Touchet Bakery in town, and it just seemed fitting to offer my guests a way to bring the experience home. Plus, it was cheap (Shh! Don’t tell the prize winners!).
Whether you are hosting your own tea party, or you do have high tea regularly, here’s how to make your own scone mix in a jar (original recipe from Savings Lifestyle). Give it as a hostess gift or as a favor, or even as a present for a tea-loving friend.
To make this or any kind of mix-in-a-jar, you will need a quart-size canning jar, and wide-mouth jars are best because it’s easier to get all the ingredients in and out. A case of 12 wide-mouth canning jars costs about $25, making each one just over $2.
Oatmeal Scone Mix in a Jar
Ingredients
- 1 cup oats
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 cup all-purpose unbleached flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Place the oats in the jar, and then the raisins. In a separate bowl, whisk together remaining dry ingredients, then place them in a quart-size canning jar (you may need to tamp down the flour mixture with a spoon in order to fit it all). Seal the lid and decorate as desired.
- Attach the following instructions:
Oatmeal Scones
Ingredients
- 1 jar Oatmeal Scone Mix
- 1/2 cup butter, chilled and cut in pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
Instructions
- Empty jar into large bowl; cut in butter until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in buttermilk until a soft dough forms.
- Sprinkle flour on countertop and lightly knead dough in it until smooth, no more than 3 minutes.
- Roll dough into a large rectangle or circle, and cut into 2″ pieces.
- Place on greased cookie sheets and bake at 425F for 13-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Preparation time: 5 minute(s)
Cooking time: 15 minute(s)
A QUICK gift - and a QUICK way to make scones! Keep some of the dry mix handy for your own scone preparation.
So EASY, even the most non-cook can do it.
A very CHEAP gift (which is why I chose it).
And pretty HEALTHY, too, with the whole grains, raisins, and no sugar.
I love scones so much. And they’re so easy to make!
Amy @ A Little Nosh recently posted..Summertime Favorites
They are! I don’t make them very often, but they are just as easy a biscuits.
I love this! Those are so cute and it’s great to get a mix that’s not from the store and in a cardboard box. Wonderful idea.
Thanks, Sheila! Once I made cupcake mix in a jar for my in-laws back in April, I’ve been dreaming up other mix-in-a-jar gifts. You’ll probably see some more around here sooner or later
They’re so easy!
Enjoying your blog and passing on a little “award” to you
http://straymatteroffact.blogspot.com/2011/06/lovin-your-bloggin-neighbours.html
natalie recently posted..Lovin Your Bloggin Neighbours
Thanks, Natalie! I’m glad you enjoy my blog
Wow, what a brilliant idea for a gift! I’m definitely making these gift jars next time I have a party. Thanks for the inspiration!
Maya@Foodiva’s Kitchen recently posted..The Secret Recipe Club - Classic Coconut Cakelets With Mango Curd Filling
Thanks! And you’re welcome:)