Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Chocolate chip cream scones

I'm certain that I've made this recipe hundreds of times-- for brunch, for Scott to share a breakfast goodie with colleagues, baby shower gifts, welcome and thank you gifts, holidays and well just about any occasion where coffee is served! I receive rave reviews and requests for this recipe all the time. As a result, I have copied it, typed it, texted it and written it out in long form. I was pretty sure that in one way or another I violated some copyright law.  So, I decided to look it up. In full disclosure, this is from the U.S. Copyright Office ;)
Copyright law does not protect recipes that are mere listings of ingredients. Nor does it protect other mere listings of ingredients such as those found in formulas, compounds, or prescriptions. Copyright protection may, however, extend to substantial literary expression—a description, explanation, or illustration, for example—that accompanies a recipe or formula or to a combination of recipes, as in a cookbook.
Whew-- sounds like I'm safe to share this recipe. I've altered it, shortened the "how to" and provided by own amateur photo.  But really... if you know me well enough, then you know that I'm a huge fan of American's Test Kitchen.  Not trying to take anything away from them-- just wanted to share one of our favorites with you! Enjoy!

Chocolate Chip Cream Scones

2 cups of flour (10 ounces)- yes, I use my kitchen scale
1 tablespoon baking powder
3 tablespoons sugar
1/2 tsp salt
5 tablespoon unsalted butter, chilled, cut into cubes
Couple of handfuls of chocolate chips (almost a cup) or dried blueberries
1 cup heavy cream

Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place flour, baking powder, sugar and salt in the workbowl of a food processor. Pulse 6 times. Remove lid, sprinkle top with cubed butter and pulse for twelve 1-second pulses. Add chocolate chips and pulse once. Remove lid add heavy cream and pulse for another eight to ten 1-second pulses.  Transfer dough and any floury bits to the baking sheet. Form into a round ball, then flatten into an 8- inch circle. Pour heavy cream on top of the circle, spread it around and sprinkle the top with additional sugar. Cut into 8 wedges. Separate the wedges a bit before you pop it into the oven. Bake until light brown on top (12 min or so). Cool on a wire rack and let sit for 10 minutes.



Awaiting a new season

You never know when the last sunny, warm day will be in Seattle before the leaves change and the sky grows gloomy.  Today was sunny and beautiful with a hint of chill in the air (the marine layer this morning smelled like the ocean and I loved it-- this salty fragrance instantly drops my blood pressure).  It's time for transition, is it not?  I'm looking forward to trading our flip flops for rain boots, the kiddie pool for new venues designed for indoor fun and a "go wherever, whenever" schedule to one that is more structured.  I seem to function best this way.  Fall is my favorite time of the year-- the crisp air, pumpkins, routine, my red le Creuset on the stove, football and little rain boots and jackets.  I could go on!

This past weekend we took Jack to the Magnuson Dog Park-- it has been awhile since he'd been swimming and he loved every minute.  Hanna loves to play with Jack (and be in the water).  I think that she would have been willing to retrieve a ball along side him if we let her.  She enjoyed riding her balance bike to the dog run. It's so exciting to watch her learn and enjoy new activities.  Speaking of activity, Harper has learned how to stand and she uses everything to bring her into an upright position.  The girls are learning how to play (and share) together.  Sharing will.take.time. (deep breath, and repeat). When they do play and the bigger H shares - the girls giggle and that sound easily becomes the best part of my day.
Little, cute... and loud band!
Nice throw Han!

Doggie beach at Magnuson



Jack is an awesome swimmer. He gets all the other dogs balls too!
She's sitting..still... only for this photo!


 

Saturday, September 06, 2014

I'm back

Time flies!  It's such a cliche saying, is it not?  But, the undeniable truth is that well, it's so true.  And, not only that, but it seems to be gaining momentum as the years go by. I'm not sure how it happens exactly? But, I'm hopeful that these posts will allow me to reflect, capture, share and soak in all of this life that God has given us.  It's a story that He has written and it is a privilege to share.

Since I posted last there have been a few notable changes: we live in Seattle, Scott has started a two-year facial plastics/reconstruction fellowship, we welcomed Harper Marie on December 29th (our girls share the same birthday) and Hanna started Pre-K. And, there you have it...well,for the most part.

We're loving life in Seattle!  We can walk to just about everything from our house (Greenlake, public library, post office, grocery store, coffee shops, restaurants and our church). 

Check out her sweet pink boots from Dad!
Green goodness from our Blendtec blender.
Waiting for the Mt Rainier Scenic Railroad train

Hanna climbing aboard at the MRSR train museum

Trip to Greenlake for a swim and bike ride!

Started Pre-K at Shoreline Christian!
How cool is this salmon slide?
Gotta come out the other end...
Raining, but fun Labor Day trip to Rainier.


Reading her card from Nanny and Grandpa! New school clothes!

How can you resist this face? Hanna always says "Oh, Harper!"

8 months old- two teeth and on the move!


Enjoying a snack while big sister plays!