Earlier this week I met an energetic Italian woman in the baking section of my local Barnes & Noble bookstore. After simultaneously reaching for the same book - then laughing because neither one of us was willing to take it (there was only one copy) - we began talking about our favorite recipes. Eventually we hit upon the topic of food & friends, and at this point she said something that still has my wheels turning: “I love America, but after ten years there is one thing I know for sure - Americans don’t know how to enjoy life.” Taken aback, I asked her why she had come to this conclusion. “I give you an example,” she responded. “In Italy, if I invite a friend for pizza or coffee after work it’s no big deal, they’re happy to hear from me and maybe they even bring their friends along. Why not? But in America… in America everyone is so busy! It’s all work, work, work and ‘I can’t go out because I have to get up early for work’ excuses. Coffee dates mean calling weeks in advance and maybe even then they cancel! That’s no way to live. Life is about people, about enjoying yourself. You Americans let life pass you by. Whoosh!”
I wasn’t sure how to respond to this - mostly because I knew there was some truth to what she said, and also because I was guiltily remembering all those times when I had prioritized the things I “needed” to get done. Was everything as urgent as all that? Probably not. Sometimes it’s important to work for that pot of gold. Yet, as writer D. Pagels once remarked, “some of the secret joys of living are not found by rushing from point A to point B, but by inventing some imaginary letters along the way.”
Inspired by my encounter with this Italian who had her priorities straight, I decided to do two things today: First, I was going to finish tweaking my recipe for coffee-glazed chocolate chip scones. Second, I was going to invite someone over.
I was wildly successful with the first task. After modifying the ingredients many times over the past few weeks, the scones finally achieved that balance of sweetness and texture I’d been looking for. As I finished drizzling the coffee glaze over each one I picked up the phone and called a friend, hoping she’d have a free moment to drop by, or that I could go over with some scones. But though she was free she didn’t feel like driving, and no I couldn’t come over because she had to work on a project due Monday. Similar stories emerged when I called friends 2, 3 and 4 - but before you feel sorry for me there is a happy ending. Because while my American friends didn’t understand my zest for getting together, I knew there was one woman who would get it. That’s right! I called my new Italian friend. I’d accepted her business card after we met - just because - and when I told her my tale of baking scones but having no one to share them with, she said: “So American! I’ll meet you at the park in 30 minutes.” I put the scones in a basket, made a batch of iced cardamom coffee, then headed out with a couple glasses. We had a great time, sitting in the warm sun, nibbling on fresh scones, and sipping iced coffee.
I think there are two morals to this story. 1) Next time a friend wants to meet for coffee, say yes, especially if she’s bearing baked goods; and 2) strangers are just friends waiting to happen. 
Before I go, don’t forget about the August book giveaway! You can find out more about this new, monthly event by clicking on the photo to the left or by clicking here. Also, many thanks to everyone who responded to my question about additional features you’d like to see on this site. Beastmomma, I’ve definitely got some one-dish & filling recipes to share; and Sil BsAs, I’ll do my best to feature more desserts! (Shucks, right?)
Coffee-Glazed Chocolate Chip Scones (My Recipe)
Ingredients: Makes 8 large scones
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon light brown sugar, both packed
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
- 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- About 1/4 cup whole milk
For the coffee glaze:
- 3/4 cup confectioners sugar
- 1 tablespoon + 1/2 teaspoon freshly brewed coffee
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl combine the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt and nutmeg. Add the butter pieces. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse bread crumbs. Stir in the chocolate chips.
In a small bowl, gently whisk the egg and buttermilk together. Add to dry ingredients and mix until the dough comes together in clumps. Coat your hands with flour and gather the dough into a ball. (If the dough is too sticky to handle you can sprinkle flour on it about 1/2 teaspoon at a time, just enough for you to handle it. Don’t add too much or you’ll dry out your dough!) Turn your ball of dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently press into a circle about 8 inches in diameter.
Use a medium, round 3-inch cookie cutter to shape the scones. Dip the cookie cutter into some flour, then press into the dough, twisting as you press down. Repeat this process for each scone. You can gather extra bits of dough up into another ball, then flatten and repeat to get a couple extra scones out of the batch.
Brush scones lightly with milk, then bake for 20-24 minutes or until they are golden brown and a tester inserted into the center comes out clean.
While the scones are cooling, in a small bowl combine the confectioners sugar with the coffee. Mix until you can’t see any little lumps of sugar. Then drizzle over the scones and allow 10-15 minutes for the glaze to set. (Of course, you don’t have to wait for the glaze to set, you can just gobble these right up if you want!)
Iced Cardamom Coffee (My Recipe)
Ingredients: Makes 2 servings
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar + 1/2 cup water (for simple syrup)
- 8 tablespoons coffee beans + grinder
- 4 1/2 cups filtered water
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon whole cardamom pods, depending on how strong you want the cardamom flavor to be
- Ice cubes
- Milk, to taste
In a medium saucepan combine 4 1/2 cups of water with the cardamom pods. Bring to a boil. Lower heat and continue to boil for 5 minutes. In the meantime, grind your coffee beans and place the grounds in your coffee machine or French press.
Use 4 cups of the cardamom water to brew your coffee. If using an automatic machine, remove the pods first. If using a French press you can add the pods to the press along with the water. In a French press, brew for 5 minutes.
While the coffee is brewing combine the 1/2 cup of sugar and 1/2 cup of water in a small saucepan. Cook over medium-high heat, gently whisking the entire time. (You are making what’s called a “simple syrup” which is an excellent way to sweeten cold drinks since sugar does not dissolve well in cold liquid.) When you can’t see the sugar granules anymore and the liquid is clear, the syrup is done. Remove from heat and set aside. (You can store leftover syrup in the fridge for up to 1 week.)
Fill two glasses halfway with ice cubes. Pour coffee over the ice and sweeten with simple syrup. Add milk according to your tastes and enjoy! (I use about 2 tablespoons of syrup & about 1/2 cup low-fat milk per glass. My husband prefers more milk and more syrup.)
You Might Also Like:- Yeasted Chocolate-Chip Pumpkin Bread
- Blueberry-Raspberry Honey-Butter Glazed Scones
- Cinnamon Sugar Scones
- Chocolate Chip Muffins
- Fresh Blueberry Scones
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This entry was posted on Saturday, August 9th, 2008 by Ariela and is filed under Breads, Breakfast, Coffee, Drinks, Life, My Recipes, Quick Breads. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.
105 Comments.
I agree - we all need to take more time to enjoy ourselves.
Oooh, those scones sound delightful!!
VeggieGirl’s last blog post -> It’s Simply Unnecessary!
OMG, both the scones and the drink look terribly tempting! I’d love to be there, sitting on the grass ;-P!
Cheers,
Rosa
Rosa’s last blog post -> WEEKEND CAT BLOGGING #166
I most definitely agree we need to stop and enjoy the moment, sometimes right then. Enjoy a cup of coffee and laugh. That along with these tempting scones, what a wonderful way to make a memory.
These look yummy. Can’t wait to try them!
Christy’s last blog post -> TUES..NO WEDNEDAYS WITH DORIE!
Oh my! These look delicious! I will definitely be trying these!
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Yammi, I’m getting hungry. I love scones and I’m a coffee junkie. Ready for breakfast … go! ^^
Coming from a recent trip to Italy, I agree, I love the way Italians live life, I wish I could do the same here or move there!! But I try.
It is such a beautiful country. I agree with you, sometimes its just nice to stop by or have someone over informally, no big dinner just some scones and coffee, tea or sparking water ( very Italian, and I just love it). It brightens my day 
I do try to do that, now more then ever with a baby 
Thanks for sharing and the delicious recipe 
….grrrr… if only I could find time to blog….lol But I am thinking about it, and that is half the battle
I look forward to the upcoming recipes and I appreciate the mention in your post!
beastmomma’s last blog post -> Like the Titanic
I love that story (and the scones look yummy too)!
I hope you and your new Italian friend have many coffee dates in the future.
that quote is lovely
those scones are killing me!!
mi’s last blog post -> special sunday breakfast
What a delightful story! It makes me want even more to visit Italy someday. I’m afraid that I’m as guilty as the next person of constantly excusing myself due to work. This fall I’m making a change by putting work second as I go back to school (perhaps not the most creative priority!).
I do think that the excuses sometime stem from our need to feel busy with something more pressing than what we can enjoy at the moment. Working with people whose lives are often in a precarious state, I have learned to savor moments more when I have the opportunity, like staying three extra hours in my hometown to visit with my grandmother, instead of hoping in my car at the appointed time for unnecessary “deadlines”.
I bet you made your new friend’s day! She most likely would not have lamented others’ busyness if she had not been put off by it on more than one occasion!
Thanks again! I love those thoughtful moments.
That sort of story reminds of the way people in Israel are as well. I guess she had it right about Americans. Those scones look great.. Some espresso powder in the dough to boost the coffee flavor might be great too!
Chavi’s last blog post -> Plum Galette.. Sort of
Awesome! Glad you made a new friend.
Paz
Paz’s last blog post -> For Sher: Mushroom Meatballs and Cat Tales
It’s funny to read this entry. I’d just resolved to start inviting folks over more often again, despite the state of the house or kitchen. I had stopped because of the excuses. But I miss my friends and maybe things have changed …..
That sounds amazing- I love anything with cardamom these days!
Emily’s last blog post -> Bulgur, tahini, and pinto bean veggie burgers
These look delicious! I am going to make some and pop in to see someone next week! Yep, just pop in!
Your story reminds me of the traveling memoirs I have read of American women traveling in Eurpoe - friends are made instantly over coffee or dinner in a crowded cafe and then they enjoy the afternoon together. So chic.
Yes, we Americans do not know how to live…………I agree.
Nice Post, it made me pause for a moment, and analyse the facts. Yes, I am always rushing, rushing, and hardly have time for friends! Thank you for the eye opener, maybe it’s time to slow down.
These scones sound awesome!
cookingenthusiast’s last blog post -> Fluff-tastic PB Apple Dippers
Those scones look so delicious! What a great story - so inspiring. I agree, we have to take more time to meet friends for coffee and baked goods!!
Guilty, that’s me. My mother is European and my father is South American and they are forever entertaining, so you’d think I’d be better at making time for it myself, but life (deadlines!) gets in the way of all my best intentions.
Well, good thing I’ve gotten over the “have to have a spotless house” hangup . . . you’ve inspired me to reach out and extend myself more.
And if scones are involved, even better!
Sandy S’s last blog post -> Mixed Berry Yogurt Cheese
VeggieGirl » How is it you’re always one of the first ones to comment? It’s incredible woman, incredible!
Monika Korngut » I love the way Italians live too. I’ve been to Italy twice and every time I wished I could have spent more time there! I feel like their culture savors life more than American culture does… Don’t give yourself a hard-time for not blogging - it takes a lot of energy to maintain a blog and you’ve got a little one to look after!
beastmomma » My pleasure! Thank YOU for taking the time to respond to my question, I appreciate it.
Jan » Me too, that would be awesome.
mi » I’m glad you liked it! It made me stop and think, that’s for sure.
Rachel » That’s so wonderful that you take the time to visit with your grandmother instead of hurrying home. I bet she loves spending some extra time with you.
We did have a great time but my goal is for this not to be a one-shot thing. I always put too many things on my plate… I really need to stop that. Savor other things, you know? It can’t all be about making money and getting good grades at school, though granted those are both important things!
Chavi » Great idea about the espresso powder! I’ve filed that tip away for the next time I’m tinkering with a chocolate/coffee recipe.
Israelis are very similar in this, so true. In fact just last month my Hebrew professor, who’s Israeli, was telling me that Americans work too hard. Have you ever spent time in Jerusalem? Some of the best food and most relaxing evenings in my life were enjoyed there. For sure.
Sandy » Well you were one step ahead of me with that resolution!
A yummy breakfast treat!
My English neighbors say that the quanitity of life is better in the States(meaning more income and what not) but that quality of life is less in the sense that they hardly ever see each other anymore(since her husband is alwyas working). They miss their 37 hour a week work week.
peabody’s last blog post -> Corny….
what a great post, Ari! If ever you are in my neighborhood, I’ll be glad to have coffee with you
kat’s last blog post -> hatsubon
what a lovely story and a great reminder of what truely is imporatant. i’m glad you had someone to call and spend some time in the park with. i will try to remember and “hold” your post in the next couple of weeks and not be so caught up in time and what needs to be done.
oh and the scones look great …
Sounds like a fun lady. Those scones look fantastic! She is so right…we are very scheduled here. I am at fault, too. I like knowing what I’m going to do in advance, but if I can and someone wants to do something spur of the moment, I will.
What a nice story - I’m afraid the rush rush rush thing isn’t so different here in Oz - I just got an e-mail froma friend for a bbq luch next weekend and my first thought was, I don’t know if I’ll go, it’s my only day off, I just want to veg…But instead I’ll e-mail and tell her I’ll be there with bells on. And I’ll bring my pear cake (made with atleast one of my own chooks eggs!), and a bottle of white. Yum.
Tala’s last blog post -> A present, for MOI?…
nOW…WHAT TIME DID YOU SAY THAT bRUNCH WAS TO START?
mOUTH IS WATERING…PASS THE SCONES PLEASE.
I totally agree- it is so hard, especially when you have small children and you work alternating schedule (day/night), but I do have 3 friends that we make an extra attempt to break free and see each other when we call.
Now that we have this excellent scone recipe it will be even easier to break free!
I loved the quote and already added it to my signature line on my outgoing emails- maybe we can convince a couple of people to change!
nic
Those scones look absolutely mouthwatering! Gorgeous picture too with the sunshine. I also want to congratulate you on your weight loss. I just noticed you have nearly reached your target - well done!
Helen’s last blog post -> Are You Thinking What I’m Thinking?
Thanks for the reminder! I always used to wonder why I would have those sorts of magical encounters while I was on vacation in other countries but never at home - I’ve decided that I am “open” (to new experiences and spontaneity and strangers) while I am on vacation and oddly closed off at home. We need to keep remembering to keep ourselves open as much as possible!
You are sooo right!!! We Americans are just way too “busy”!!! I love iced coffee–and living in hot, humid SouthEast Texas, I have it every morning, most of the year. The scones look very yummy…
i’ve heard the same from my european friends…we do need to enjoy in the simple pleasure of friendship more. your story was inspiring and the scones look yummy!
Wow, that is so true, we are always busy with something. Those scones look great, I can’t wait to make them for my husband this weekend.
Diana » I love it, what a lucky friend to have you dropping by with scones! And what a nice thing to say, that my story reminded you of travel memoirs - golly!
cookingenthusiast » Glad I could share the feeling, by which I mean, I had just the same reaction when my new friend started talking about American culture! I think we all rush around way too much and it’s probably a tough habit to break…. but I’m gonna try.
Alana » Friends, coffee, baked goods… what else does a soul need, I ask you?
Sandy S » There are many, many things my parents and grandparents do effortlessly that don’t come quite so easy to me. So you’re not alone! Your comment about the “spotless house” hangup made me laugh… still working on that one over here, ahem.
peabody » That’s an interesting way to think about it: quantity vs. quality. Hmm.
kat » Well you better bet I’ll take you up on that if I’m ever in your neck of the woods.
jacquie » That’s such a sweet thing to say, I’m really honored that my post was good enough to inspire remembering!
claire » She is a fun lady! I have a feeling she’s going to force me to push my American boundaries… should be interesting.
Tala » Wow! I am so, so glad that you’re going to go to the BBQ and that my blog played a little part in your decision. I’m really going to be on Cloud 9 the rest of the night. *hugs*
nicole » That’s fantastic that, despite a hectic schedule, you and your friends make an effort to get together. I hope you make these scones and have a chance to share them!
Helen » Thank Helen! It’s taken a while but I’m feeling good. 3 lbs to go….
Do you wanne know, what I’ll do, if I’ll win the book? I’ll make some of these cute dogstyle cupcakes for an animal shelter in need! Soon there’s a Family day, where they could sell them! ^^
Azrael / Nadine’s last blog post -> 01.08.2008 Thema: Geniale Neuheiten!g
Azrael / Nadine » That would be an awesome use of the book indeed! May the force of the random number generator be with you.
Rachel » I’m the same way. I think it’s easier to be open to new experiences once you’ve already stepped outside your routine. Case in point: I can’t tell you how many times I’ve literally not seen people I know while rushing through the NY subway, even when they’re right in front of me. I didn’t expect to see them, so I didn’t. Funny huh?
I loved reading this story about meeting your new friend. I have to agree that there is some truth to what she said. I’m guilty of getting caught up in “life” as well. One thing I remember when I was in London was that friends get together after work and socialize. Not just on Friday or Saturday but ANY night. It really is important to take some time out. Remind me of this comment, the next time I’m complaining that I’m just way too busy.
Those scones look/sound delish!
pam’s last blog post -> Book #33 The History of Love by Nicole Krauss
What a nice story… what a lucky woman that Italian is!!
After reading all this I’m convinced I have GREAT friends nearby…
hmm, yum, that looks like the perfect summer morning brunch picnic.
The scones look very good,but I am not much of a coffee fan.
I like your site, Don’t stray too far from frequent posts about baking.
I love your story! Seriously the greatest thing ever! I’m going to have to make your cardamom coffee. That’s ingenious.
Angie’s last blog post -> Chocolate Turtle Beans
The Italian lady gives sage advice; thanks for sharing it with all of us, too! I should try to follow it more often.
Good story Ari… and a good lesson.
Barbara’s last blog post -> Ker-ching, Ker-ching, Ker-ching
Mimi » I love iced coffee too, but I bet I’d love it even more if I lived in South East Texas!
Mell » I hope the two of you enjoy them!
pam » That’s both incredible and unbelievable that they are able to do that. Wow. Maybe we’ve stumbled upon another European-American paradox, like why the French can eat so many rich foods and drink wine while remaining chic?
Those scones look great!
jessy’s last blog post -> Onion dill bread
You are master in baking!
Like your site alot!
You know what, I will change my simple yellow cake to an orange flavour added with raisins.
That is a wonderful story! And so inspiring! Yes, we definitely should stop along the way and realign our priorities and take the time to enjoy scones in the park with a friend instead of thinking of that report that is due tomorrow
If not, then what are we working for anyway?
The scones look delish!
joey’s last blog post -> Plum and Nectarine Galette
This is my first visit to your site, I came here through “Pots and Pins” blog. I love your story about how busy we all are. I hope all of your original friends that you invited found the time to read your blog and realize what they missed out on.
Your new Italian friend sounds just like a friend I would like to meet!
Now THAT was a great story! That Italian women was so right! We should enjoy life, and not be so busy with work and other things.
Hats off to you for giving her a call and inviting her to share your wonderful scones and coffee. I hope all your friends that turned you down read this post and learn something from it, I know I did! Thanks.
Nice blog, I’ll be back!
Marie’s last blog post -> Fresh Strawberry Mousse! Something Pink, for the Chicago 3-Day, 60 Mile Walk for Breast Cancer!
i love this story and i’m so glad that you called her to share your scones. it’s so hard to stop and do something fun, we forget that life is suppose to be fun not work, work, work.
evil chef mom’s last blog post -> hey, it’s me!
I am jealous that:
a) you have these yummy-looking scones in your tummy now
and
b) you are so adept at making new friends
I seem to have particular difficulty with b. But I don’t live “like an American.” I will basically push back all nonessential responsibility to go meet a friend for dinner or drinks. I always thought it was because I’m lazy, but now I can just say that I’m being Italian!
Kelly’s last blog post -> I swear I’ve taken a photography class
what a phenomenal photograph of what looks to be the most perfect breakfast ever!
Cupcakes and Cashmere’s last blog post -> These are a few of my favorite things
this very well may be the best scone recipe i have come across. in my life. i must make these ASAP!
Megan’s last blog post -> please don’t stomp on the flowers…
Megan » Well I’m not sure I’m deserving of such high praise, but I sure hope you make them!
Cupcakes and Cashmere » Thank you! I love eating these scones anytime of day, but you’re right, breakfast is especially good. Chocolate with a good cup of coffee - now that’s how to start a day!
Kelly » Don’t be jealous Kelly - a) because we finished those scones within 24 hours, so currently there are no scones in my tummy; and b) because I’m actually not so adept at making new friends [it's tough to connect with people nowadays, as my post shows!]. I just happened to find a kindred spirit in the baking aisle of Barnes & Noble. Luck, that’s what it was.
Marie » Hehe, I hope they read the post too… especially since I called them and said, “See? You missed these scones baby, better not turn me down when I call with cupcakes!” I kid… kinda.
PeeCee27 » I love “Pots and Pins” - ! I’m so glad you dropped by PeeCee27. And yes, I hope they read the post too.
joey » So true. What’s all the money in the world worth if you never allow yourself to enjoy some down time?
Martha Troxel » Stray from baking? Perish the thought! Though I do plan to explore other areas of cooking too, my tastebuds are just too darn curious.
Angie » Well shucks, thank you Angie! I hope you enjoy the coffee recipe.
Hi Ari — loved the story. Sad but true, I think. Can’t wait to try the scones.
Janice Barton’s last blog post -> My Orb Weaver
I love this post! We really do have to remember to take time just to enjoy the company of our friends, even if we really don’t think we have the time. I’m so glad that you made such a cool new friend. And I love the scone recipe. I’ve been on a scone baking rampage lately. I can’t seem to get enough of them. ; )
Anali’s last blog post -> Celebrate Farmers’ Market Week
Food is a great way to get together and spend sometime, afterall when everybody is fed and happy, they seem to enjoy themselves more.
This is a great post, cardamom in anything can not hurt…
I have bookmarked this recipe to try out as soon as my oven is working again.
Ari, it’s 2.45 p.m. here in Barbados and really, really hot. I would love nothing better than to sip on some of the Cardamom Coffee and much on those scones.
Cynthia’s last blog post -> A Coconuty Corn
I am not a coffee drinker but I LOVE it in baked food! The scones sounds amazing. Thanks for your message about my “bun in the oven”, I’d rather like those scones in my oven now! recipe noted!
What a lovely way to meet a new friend, Belgium is even worse, Belgian women never have time for anything, I would love to go to a coffee morning with my little boy, but in Belgium all mum’s work from when there babies are a few months old and coffee mornings just don’t seem to exist! Still thats my sad tale of woe!!
I shall keep myself open in the hope I will make a new friend! x x
Bev’s last blog post -> a different type of bun in the oven..
A great story, and I must say as an expat who just spent the summer in the US, I must agree. Busy, busy, busy, but for what? Alas… let’s stop and sip the coffe, and munch the scones!
Shellyfish’s last blog post -> And….We’re Back!
What a geat story, and a nice way to make a new friend.
That is a fantastic story with an excellent moral. I have spent the better part of the past year trying to learn to a) slow down and just enjoy things and b) live more every day. Sounds like you are doing the same now …
Great story! And equally impressive recipes. This cardamom iced coffee sounds similar to Thai iced coffee, one of my all time favourite drinks. This definitely requires some testing out in my own kitchen
Kait’s last blog post -> A very soupy Tuesday With Dorie: Blueberry Sour Cream Ice Cream
It’s amazing how much planning a cup of coffee can be with friends sometimes.
Devo K’s last blog post -> Spiritual Baking
Thanks for the scone and coffee recipe. I think your new friend is right. It is hard to just get together and hang out with friends.
Rhonda’s last blog post -> I want one of these!
Iced Cardamom Coffee…mmmm….
The picture looks awesome…you’ve sparked off a really bad craving!
Specs’s last blog post -> To laugh or not to laugh, that is the question…
The scones look AMAZING. And I loooove coffee!
Macy’s last blog post -> What else can I say?
Do you think you could replace the 1/4 c. milk in the scones recipe with brewed coffee to give them a more mocha-type flavor?
They look great!
Thank you for the life lesson; that is a fantastic morality tale. Your recipes look wonderful, as well!
Vegyogini’s last blog post -> Changing of the Guard
Hi Ariela, Found your wonderful wonderful site while looking for beignet recipes. I made the Chanukah Beignets from here yesterday…’piece of edible heaven” did you say? They were that & much more…scrumptious & fabulous. Couldn’t leave a comment there coz comments are closed (obviously, it’s a Dec 2006 post). I love these Coffee Scones too & the lessons of life that go with it!! Couldn’t agree with that more…thanks for a fabulous blog! Cheers Deeba
Deeba’s last blog post -> POPPY IN MY LIME COOKIES…COOKIES WITH ZEST!
Merav » No reason you couldn’t give it a try! Normally I would say no since removing the milk will affect the fat content (and hence texture) of the scones, but since there is a fair amount of butter in this recipe it may work out nicely. Maybe start with 1/8 cup strong coffee and 1/8 cup milk. Toucan also try using espresso powder. Let me know what you do and how it works out, I’d love to hear about the results!
I so agree with the Italian - it is ridiculous how hard it can be to get anyone to just drop in for a cup of coffee or a snack. tinawittmer(at)yahoo(dot)com.
I’ve got cardamom pods in my pantry, can’t wait to try the coffee! I read once that cardamom helps remove any bitterness from the beans, but I’m more interested in a truly cardamom-flavored coffee.
Vicki’s last blog post -> Wheatberries?
Those scones look delicious! I want to make a batch right now, if only it weren’t so hot in my kitchen. Maybe when the weather cools.
yummmmmm
draven’s last blog post -> Picture post
What a gorgeous little story and I think that unfortunately this is not a particularly American trait as these days everybody is far too busy to have a simple, spontaneous cup of coffee (or tea!) and a bun with friends with nothing in mind but a good old natter!!
P.S. I think that your monthly giveaway is a good idea (as you can tell from my recent flurry of comments) and I really really want this book as I don’t have a single cupcake book!
Great lesson! We all need to slow down and enjoy each others company. Those scones look delish!
I have a blog where I list all of the great recipe sites that I find on the Web. I’ve added yours! Thanks for all the great recipes here!
These scones look so decadent and different! I’ve never seen scones with icing, before, but I’d happily try them out!
Angela’s last blog post -> My first harvest