Sending Irish Wishes
Exactly one year ago today I had the wonderful fortune of waking up in Ireland on St. Patrick’s Day. We were in the midst of the most magical two week trip with other bakers from across the country, taking classes at different Irish cookery schools and visiting as many bakeries as we could find, all while being surrounded by some of the most breathtaking natural beauty I have ever seen (some of my favorite views from the trip in the photos above and below). In a word, it was perfect.
So in honor of Ireland, today I’m sharing with you Darina Allen’s famous scone recipe (below), which I was making for the first time exactly one year ago today (and have made countless times since). Darina is known as “the Irish Julia Child”, and I still can’t believe I not only had the opportunity to meet her, but also to be taught by her at her world-famous cookery school, Ballymaloe. She is pictured below on the left, while you’ll find me in the middle holding the renowned scones. (You can also purchase the full Cookery Course book here.)
Mummy’s Sweet White Scones
Recipe by Darina Allen, from Ballymaloe Cookery Course
- 900g (2lb) plain flour (I use all purpose)
- 50g (2oz) caster sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 3 heaped teaspoons baking powder 175g (6oz) butter
- 3 eggs
- 425ml (15fl oz) milk (I use buttermilk)
- Preheat oven to 475F.
- Sift together dry ingredients in a large wide bowl.
- Cut butter into cubes, toss cubes into flour and rub in the butter.
- Make a well in the center. Whisk together the eggs with the milk, then add to the dry ingredients and mix to a soft dough.
- Turn out onto a floured board. Knead lightly, just enough to shape into a round.
- Roll round out to about 1 inch thick and cut into scones.
- Place scone on a non-greased baking sheet. Brush the tops with egg wash and dip each top in granulated sugar.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown on top. Cool on wire rack and enjoy!
My favorite way to serve is with orange butter and raspberry jam.
I’ll leave you today with one of my favorite Irish Proverbs:
May you always be blessed with walls for the wind,
a roof for the rain,
a warm cup of tea by the fire,
laughter to cheer you,
those who love near you,
and all that your heart may desire.
