I have been trying not to look at the calendar too much. When I do, it sticks its tongue out at me for having fallen behind so much. I have two days to cross things off my holiday list–there’s still hope! My husband and I are celebrating Christmas a bit differently this year so time is even more of a factor. That said, I am still looking forward to Christmas–I have reminded myself that this time of year is not about the gifts still unwrapped, work not yet completed and least of all, it’s not about the stress I am feeling for not being prepared. It is a time for family and for celebrating the birth of someone truly, truly special. When I fix my mind on that I am able to calm down and proceed with a bit less angst.
Before I dive into my to-do list for the day, I thought I would infuse the blog with a bit of holiday spirit. Cranberries and spices are hallmarks of holiday fare and I brought them together to satisfy a recent craving for scones. It was also a nice way to put my bags of cranberries in the freezer to good use. Do you ever buy more fresh cranberries at Thanksgiving than you know you will ever use? I raise my hand. If you can look past the color of the glaze, you might believe that these were actually delightful little scones. I bought a bottle of beet juice for another project and I was struck with the crazy idea of matching the glaze to the cranberries. Then I realized that achieving that bold color with beet juice might overpower the glaze so I was left with this Pepto-Bismol pink. Not to worry–it tastes like cinnamon, just like the scones. All the sweetness is in the glaze, a pleasant complement to the slight tartness of the cranberries. Next time I will leave the beet juice out of the equation but yes, these are worthy of making again. I hope you enjoy them! Cranberry-Cinnamon Scones * Base Recipe from America’s Test Kitchen- 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 5 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/4 inch cubes
- 1/2 cup cranberries
- 1 cup fat free half-n-half
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon beet juice (optional)
- Couple drops vanilla extract
Belinda @zomppa says
Well, hello! These are so cheery and festive!
Steph@stephsbitebybite says
Ho wincredibel are these?! And that pink color is so gorgeous!
Lisa { AuthenticSuburbanGourmet } says
Happy Holidays Jean! What a perfect scone for the season and oh how do I love scones. These are a must make. I am making more Cranberry, Orange and Ginger Chutney today – I think about 30 jars. Hope the holidays are treating you well and look forward to seeing you in January!! 🙂
Tutti Dolci (@Tutti_Dolci) says
So pretty! I’ve been craving scones, and I love cinnamon. In fact, I just made a batch of cranberry-orange muffins with a cinnamon-sugar topping that are incredible – posting tomorrow!
Monet says
These are so beautiful…just love the pink hue! Thank you for sharing this deliciousness with me. I’m about to leave for Colorado, but I’m glad I had a chance to check in before I depart! Many blessings to you and yours!
foodwanderings says
Merry Christmas Jean and you are wise no angst needed. Enjoy the holiday season. Cannot wait to hear about your celebration. These scones look incredible!!
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen says
Merry Christmas to you and your family Jean. Cranberry and cinnamon sounds wonderful together.
Emily @ Life on Food says
Cinnamon scones are some of my favorites. I love the rosy festive addition.
Adora's Box says
It does get overwhelming. It would be nice to have a chance to put my feet up, have a cuppa and a couple of these lovely scones. Happy Christmas to you and your husband, Jean!!!
Jesica @ Pencil Kitchen says
Amazing colours! Looks elegant~
Beth Michelle says
I loveee scones. They are one of my favorite things to make. These look wonderful. Love the glaze.
sweetopiagirl says
Reblogged this on Inspiredweightloss.
Jackie says
I always find American scones so very different to the scones I’ve grown up with in the UK! But these are gorgeous – I’d definitely have a go at these and see how they measure up 😉
Happy holidays, lovely!
Jax x