sour cherry & walnut scones.

I don’t joke when I say Sonoma County is my second home. I feel like I’m there a lot. Who am I kidding though, I shouldn’t be complaining about my frequent travels to Wine Country. Anyway, I’m on the road again today to celebrate Christmas with the “other side” of the fam. Don’t know when I’ll be back at the computer again next between the gift exchanging, eating… and more eating, so how about another recipe until then?

Yesterday morning, to go along with our homemade Christmas Crunch Granola, Greek yogurt, and Harry & David pears, I made scones – simply flour, butter, and sugar… which means they sure tasted good!

scones & tea… candy cane lane green, of course.

sour cherry & walnut scones.

recipe courtesy of Fine Cooking Magazine

• 1/4 c. + 3 T sugar

• 1/4 tsp. cinnamon

• 2 c. all-purpose flour

• 2 tsp. baking powder

• 1/2 tsp. baking soda

• 1/2 tsp. salt

• 1 tsp. finely grated orange zest

• 1/2 c. cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

• 3/4 c. dried tart cherries

• 1/2 c. walnuts, coarsely chopped

• 2/3 c. buttermilk

Preheat oven to 375*. In a small bowl, mix 3 T sugar with the cinnamon.

Whisk the flour, remaining sugar, baking powder & soda, salt, and orange zest together in a large bowl. Cut the butter cubes into the flour mixture with a pastry blender until the mixture resembles small peas. Stir in cherries and walnuts. Add the buttermilk and stir just until no dry flour is visible.

Turn the dough out on to a lightly floured board and pat into a 1-inch-thick round. Cut into 8 wedges [or cut into shapes via cookies cutters]. Transfer to a baking sheet, sprinkle with sugar & cinnamon mixture. Bake 18-20 minutes until the tops are firm to the touch and edges are golden brown. Enjoy warm with a cup of your favorite tea.

You can totally tell that’s a snowman, right? ;)

It wasn’t our traditional Christmas morning breakfast, but I’m beginning to learn that some traditions do not last forever. I guess you have to make room for new ones at some point?

This was the first time in 21 years, that I haven’t spent December 25th opening gifts with my brother after pulling his sleepy head out of bed. I don’t think I’m a fan of being an “only child”. We miss you, BJ.

Christmas 2009

Enjoy the rest of your holiday weekend!

Hillary

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What’s your favorite holiday tradition?

Do you have a traditional holiday meal?