Lucky finally took Katie and I for our traditional Christmas walk yesterday. It’s usually reserved for the Big Day and typically he has dragged the entire family out with him… but Boxing Day would have to do this year. Phil and Dave were closeted up in the study with a Junior Hockey game on the screen, so the pupster would have to settle with having just Katie and I in tow.
“It didn’t feel like Christmas this year,” my intuitive and articulate daughter observed. As always, she voiced my own unannounced thoughts. Was it the lack of fresh snowfall? Was it that Christmas dinner was at someone else’s home this year? It must have been both.. . and I did so miss the leftovers that would have normally crammed into our fridge like an overstuffed bird!
Don’t get me wrong, I was grateful not to add to my “Things to Do” list, all the grocery shopping and food preparation that would have been required… I was pleased to “pass the spoon” to other family members and content knowing that they were able to prepare a Christmas feast to their own liking. And did we ever enjoy a memorable feast that Chris, Harry, Nicole and Matt prepared for us.. our first brined turkey and the many savoury accompaniments! Nanna’s mince tarts were especially tempting this year.
Still… I’m not gonna lie, it was oddly disconcerting to stroll the empty grocery store, looking for inspiration, in an attempt to whip up a memorable meal on Boxing Day that wouldn’t include any turkey. This little guy never knew he was risking his life walking past our window… (just kidding) Who knew a pheasant would drop in for a visit..
I won’t bore you with the details of that meal… nothing special to blog about, except that we were delighted to be all together at the family table for dinner one last time before Phil flew back out to pursue his hockey dreams.
The only “left-overs” languishing in my fridge was a sad little package of fresh cranberries that were purchased optimistically earlier in December… they never did get tossed into that new cranberry sauce recipe I wanted to try. I had, however, enjoyed a lovely scone that my friend Shirley made for our Delta group meeting (an Entrepreneur Organization Forum group that meets monthly).
So, wooden spoon and bowl in hand, I took this lovely recipe and tossed in a cupful of cranberries and some lemon zest and beat back the post-Christmas blues.
They are now my favorite scone recipe and will be the “base” for many new additions in the months to come. They rose beautifully and had a nice crisp crust with a fluffy, snowy white textured center. The cranberries added cute little bits of tart surprise, the lemon zest refreshing… It was the closest thing to Christmas leftovers in our house this year… it only needed a little homemade strawberry and apricot jam and a steaming cup of sugar laced espresso…
Cranberry Lemon Cream Scones
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, cut in cubes
- 3 eggs
- 3/4 cup whipping cream
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, coarsely chopped
- 1 tbsp grated lemon zest (I used 1 lemon)
- Preheat oven to 400° F.
- In a medium bowl sift together flour, baking powder, sugar and salt.
- Grate butter (large side of grater) or cut butter into the flour mixture with a pastry cutter, until it you have pieces the size of small peas. Stir in chopped cranberries and grated lemon zest.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs and cream to blend. Using a fork or spatula, lightly whisk the egg mixture into the flour mixture, being careful not to over mix.
- At this point, I take both hands and lifted out 1/4 of the mixture and patted it together on a lightly dusted counter top until I had a 4-5” round large scone shape. Transfer to silpat or parchment lined cooking sheet. Repeat to make three more scone wheels. Using a sharp knife score in half, then quarters and then again to have 8 pieces marked. Brush tops lightly with additional cream or milk and sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake for about 15 minutes until the scones have baked and nicely browned.
- Cool and glaze if you wish (Orange juice or lemon juice mixed with icing sugar drizzled over top).
It all looks lovely. It is strange, but some years do tend to feel “more like Christmas” than others. I remember my great-grandmother always used to put a lot of effort into Christmas. Needless to say, the first year she wasn’t around we really noticed the difference. I have known Christmas mornings when I haven’t known what to do with myself, and I think that we feel a little lost if we don’t have something to contribute towards the preparations because it seems like such a nuturing act.
On a side note, I must say I am very jealous of the pheasant photo you’ve posted. We have a few that have been coming into the garden (which I named Felix, Phillip – he’s darker and quite dapper – and Festus). I’ve tried taking photos of them but haven’t had much luck with the results. Unfortunately, I haven’t seen them for several days. One can only wonder… 🙁
Oh no… can they hunt pheasant there?? I’d like to think our little pheasant has found a sanctuary of sorts with the bird feeders here… gulp! It’s amazing what grand and great-grandparents can bring to a celebration… and, yes, they are the ones we miss.
I’m afraid there are a few game shoots locally at this time of year, but we’ve often had ducks or pheasants hanging around here. I wanted the pheasants to get tamer, but I’ve got to wait and see if they come back first.
Lovely photos. I can’t face anything as rich as scones just yet, but I imagine the cranberries make them a bit bracing.
Oh, yes.. I’ve been reducing the level of indulgence in “all things sugar” these past couple of days. One does get a feeling of over-indulgence, eh?
So true, Barbara. I have been eating quite moderately for the holiday season. I crave sweets in November and December. Right now there is organic eggnog in the fridge and fresh whipping cream and I don’t have a taste for them. Wish I had some snow to walk in — that would set me right! I’ll be away over the New Year, so I’ll wish you a happy 2012 now. — Sharyn
These look like a great way to beat back the post Christmas blues. Delicious! I love the combination of lemon and cranberry. 🙂
Thanks Kristy:)
Those scones do sound good. before I came to America i never really thought about cranberries at all. But now they are everywhere! and would be lovely in a scone.. If i ever go grocery shopping again and it seems weeks since i last went so surely an expedition to the shops is looming, i shall get some. Actually I do want to try a cranberry liqueur! and have a few left over for the scones! have a great calgary day.. c
I’ve never thought of them as an American food item, but I guess that makes sense:) Cranberry liqueur… now that is definitely something I’d like to taste.. do you make it yourself?
Those scones sound divine! Cranberry, lemon and cream in the same sentence…you’ve got my attention. Hope you had a lovely Christmas! 🙂
I think it’s the cream that puts it over the top, eh? I did, in the end and am enjoying a little holiday break… how was yours??
I can so identify with your feelings. If I do not cook Thanksgiving Dinner, no matter how nice a meal is set before me, it just doesn’t “feel” like Thanksgiving. And yet I am very thankful not to be cooking the meal. Odd, isn’t it? Your scones sound delicious and would make any breakfast seem like a holiday.
I thought you might relate;) It is odd and felt a bit ungrateful but I couldn’t help it (shrug) … so just have to make sure it’s my turn next year.
I too can relate about how it doesn’t feel as much like Christmas when you are not preparing the meal. We were invited to friends on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and told not to bring anything. The scones sound like a great little something for Boxing Day.
Wow, not even one dish… that is so fortunate! I still brought my traditional yams and a salad… so only a bit of work there.
What a great recipe though. We had our meal early and only cooked breakfast on Christmas. Love that dog.
Thanks… Seems like many of us have this feeling at Christmas. (Once again, Lucky says thanks;)
Wow. Those scones look delicious!
They sure were… all gone now, until next time:)
It seems that many people didn’t get the Christmas feeling this year. Stunning shot of the birdie. Any scones left ???
It sure seems so, doesn’t it? I hope your Christmas was “merry and bright”:)
the scone looks fabulous !
We have leftovers trying to elbow the inside of the fridge door open. Want some? You’ve managed to implant the idea of scones into my head, and now I think I’ll have to bake some. Sort of like a song that you can’t get out of your head… 😀
Oh, please… mail these as well, won’t you:) I hope you did eventually make a few songs, er scones!
This is a wonderful post… I loved the photographs… seems they are so delicious and calling me to eat them 🙂 Thank you dear Barbara, kisses for your lovely baby! Blessing and Happiness for you all, with my love, nia
These scones look wonderful! I’ll have to try them out soon. I still have a lonely bag of cranberries in the freezer that need a purpose 🙂 Hope you and your family had a wonderful holiday!
I have nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award! Follow the link: http://theunsweetie.wordpress.com/2011/12/28/versatile-blogger-award-for-the-unsweetie/
I need a good spicey/hot recipe for chili. Is there a secret Canadian recipe I should know about? 😉
I’ve got a chili post:) Click this link and there are two recipes, one simple, one still easy but more ingredients: http://wp.me/pyLRA-p8
I think if you want it spicy it’s just a question of adding hot sauce or hot cayenne… but go slow, it’d be a shame to overdo it?
Trying to imagine what it would be like “passing the spoon” as you say and eating Christmas dinner at someone else’s house. I’m quite sure I’d experience a bit of hollowness, a wistful longing for leftovers – they’ve always seemed like the best part of preparing the feast. Your scones look out of this world and delicious compensation for a forlorn-looking fridge. You taking your spoon back next year? 😉
You bet! My girlfriend’s family alternate Christmas Eve but always has her own Christmas Day with her immediate family (and anyone who wishes to join). I may just have to start doing this…
I totally get the “not feeling like Christmas” feeling. Last year, my whole family was away for a wedding so we didn’t have any leftovers, and we didn’t have our usual Christmas dinner. It just felt strange. But this year we back to normal :). I also love this Cranberry Lemon Cream Scones recipe.. I will definitely pass this along to my mom
It helps to know that you have felt this way too, it felt so strange (and somehow selfish) of me. Glad you had a great Christmas this time, though!
I’ve always wanted to try to make scones – and these look very tasty! Sorry you’re having the post-Christmas blues. I’ve had those kind of years, too. Hopefully a little family cheer and tasty food will bring you back up.
Well, I’ve let it go and we’re skiing now… so it feels really Wintery and that’s a good thing! Thanks for your thoughts, Courtney… It’s awesome to have the support here, isn’t it?
I sometimes feel sad the day after Christmas if I feel I didn’t get everything done or we didn’t get to do all the things I wanted to do or I didn’t cook all the special treats I usually make etc. Christmas here in Sydney just doesn’t seem like Christmas if we don’t have sweltering hot weather and we just haven’t had any decent weather this summer. I guess it’s like it is for you if you don’t get the white Christmas everyone is wishing for.
I can so relate to how you felt. I too feel that it’s not the holidays unless I cook, then I feel relieved not to have the rush-rush stress of cooking and preparing for a housefull of guests!! Where’s the happy medium?! I’m not sure, but I am sure that these scones look to die for and I do have some cranberries that are definitely going to be baked into this recipe!! Hope you have a very Happy New Year!!
I was just telling someone that scones just don’t excite me because they’re usually dry and pasty on the palate, but I’ve seen some recipes for scones on blogs, including yours, where they look delightfuly moist, filled with plump berries! I’m going to have to give scones another chance! I don’t know much about boxing day, but looks like you had a great time! Happy New Year to you and your loved ones! xo
I’ve nominated you (a duplicate I realize) for the Versatile Blogger Award. I enjoy you so much!
The scones look delish. I’ve never made scones before, but have wanted to. This gives me a good excuse to do it. Thank you! 🙂
What a gorgeous pheasant. I know, it is weird when we are used to preparing the “big meal” and find ourselves without as much work or leftovers. It is a little bit unnerving, even though it is good for us and we enjoy it. Those scones look incredible! Can’t wait to try your basic recipe and add some chocolate chips and orange rind. 🙂
OOOOOO. The perfect scone and jam spread! So impressive. I’d love to do it sometime here 😀 You need to come tell me what you think about my two cheese tartlets! Haven’t heard from you in so long.
Great holiday post young lady! Cute animals, delicious snacks, a cute author: what more could anyone ask?
Beautiful pictures and what an adorable little one!
Hi Barbara, thanks for visiting me. Your photos are breathtaking and fill my heart with memories of a dear friend who lived in Edmonton. She introduced me to sundogs and diamond dust and the extraordinary beauty of Canada. You have so much space there! All best wishes, Joanna 🙂
Hi Barbara, I’m new to your blog but I had to leave a comment saying I really love it. Love the photography and choice of recipes. Looking forward to checking up on your posts in the future. 🙂
And I, yours! Thanks for coming back and your kind compliments. I’m looking forward to your blog posts as well!
Mmmm….I love scones! I will definitely have to give those a try! They look great! BTW, your pup is super cute! 🙂
Did you used to work at the Heartland Cafe? Since they’ve closed I’ve been searching for the recipe for my beloved Raspberry Scones! Is this recipe close or would you have any leads on how I can hunt the recipe down??! Thank you so much for the beautiful blog!
Hi, Aleshia! I did work at Heartland, but the cookbook I have doesn’t have Raspberry Scones in it, so that should answer that question! Let me pursue this a bit further.. I might be able to track down the owner.. xx
Omigod. If you can magically find this I would set up a small shrine to you in the foyer of my home. (In a totally non creepy way)…
They had them at both the old and new locations.
I’ve got a Facebook email in to her.. fingers are crossed she goes on Facebook, she doesn’t go on very often.. xx
Was this the original Heartland Cafe.. or the latest one that was in Bridgeland?