Thursday 11 December 2014

Recipe: Raisin Scones

Last week I thought it would be a good idea to start baking with Lyra, like actually letting her get her hands dirty instead of just sitting in the high chair listening to me pretend to have my own tv show.  A pal of mine had told me that she had baked scones with her wee girl who is not much older than Lyra so I thought it was about time we tried something like that too.  Scones seemed like a great recipe to start with since she would be able to use her hands to mix up up the dough and the recipe I normally make doesn't have any egg in it so I wouldn't have to been too worried about her taste testing the mixture. 


While she had her nap I measured out all the ingredients and put a towel down on the floorbof the kitchen and then once she was up and awake we were all ready to go.  Lyra helped me tip the flour and baking powder in the mixing bowl, and then put the butter cubes in (after tasting one thinking it was cheese).  She wasn't too keen on the texture of the flour and butter so I ended up rubbing the butter in myself.  We then, reluctantly, added the raisins...after a lengthly quality control process where I had to portion her out her own raisins to EAT.  She helped me pour the milk in and had a good try at mixing the dough with a wooden spoon.  Again...not too keen to touch the dough.  


I patted it out on a cutting board for her and then we used the cutter to cut them out.  Lyra was a big help pushing the cutter down into the dough and managed to pop a few out onto the cookie sheet without any help from me.  


Our oven door gets so so so hot so we let the scones "rest" while we tidied up the kitchen. Once that was done I ushered Lyra into the living room to play while the oven heated up...and then in the scones went.  

They were still warm for our afternoon snack...smeared with butter and some CHEESE cubes on the side! 

I just divided my usual recipe in half to make this batch of 6 scones.  I didn't want to make the whole batch incase they didn't really turn out (and use up all the butter!).  This is a recipe copied and adapted from my mum and uses a mixture of weighing ingredients and scooping cups...sorry. 

Raisin Scones 
Makes 6

1 cup flour
2 tsp baking powder
56 grams butter, cold cut into cubes
1/4 cup raisins
1/3 cup milk 

PREHEAT OVEN 220C

In large mixing bowl stir together flour and baking powder
Cut in butter until it resembles bread crumbs 
Add raisins and toss to coat in flour mixture
Slowly stir in milk and mix until it forms a dough
Knead lightly a few times until smooth
Pat dough out on floured board until 2cm thick
Cut out scones

Bake on baking tray for 12-14 mins or until golden brown on bottom

Enjoy



Wednesday 10 December 2014

Staycation North Norfolk: The Grove, Cromer


One of my most favourite North Norfolk TREATS, and the one I look forward to THE MOST, is Sunday Lunch at The Grove in Cromer.  During our last three visits to North Norfolk we have been sure to book a lunch date with Nonna and Grandad there.  It is within very easy walking distance of Cromer town centre so we plop Lyra in the buggy and trundle over to enjoy a 3 course lunch in the 2 AA rosette restaurant (that sounds super pretentious...it really isn't). 


The last time we visited Lyra was only JUST 6 months old and enjoyed sampling the roast potatoes and other veg from my lunch but THIS TIME she happily devoured her own meal (posh fish fingers and chips, and fruit salad for dessert).  There were plenty of families staying at the hotel when we visited, and the dining room was full. The staff were lovely, and were extra kind to Lyra. The food is wonderful and the whole experience is relaxed, which is no surprise since The Grove is a family run hotel.  

The Sunday Lunch menu for adult appetites is pretty standard, but it is done so so so well and highlights local produce.  I loved my pickled herring starter, roast pork, and chocolate bread n butter pudding and am really looking forward to our next visit in the new year.  

Bonus points, as always, for a decent highchair and clean baby changing facilities. 


The Grove, Cromer
95 Overstrand Road 
Cromer 
NR27 0DJ

@thegrovecromer