They say it never rains, but it pours. I have no idea who ‘they’ are, but I reckon they may be on to something…… In the midst of a bereavement and trying to organise a trip to the States to say goodbye to my beautiful big brother, my freezer has decided now is the time to go on the blink…… again! Aaaaaaggghhhhhh……
I don’t need this….. I’m stressed, exhausted, and very very sad right now. I feel like I am dragging myself out of bed in the mornings and with the help of matchsticks, I’m persuading Miss GF to do the same….. Somehow, I am managing to get her to school….. on time….. and then drive to work and actually converse and advise with some degree of comprehension and purpose, before driving home again and slumping in a knackered heap.
On the plus side….. (let’s think ‘glass half full’ if we can….), a broken freezer means the need to empty it as quickly as possible and make and eat…. lots. Fortunately, I am one of those unusual beings who when sad, still eats and rather more than I want to, instead of losing my appetite. Whilst I could do with losing a few pounds, now is not the time to starve myself.
And although I am less interested than usual, cooking still feels quite therapeutic…… providing I don’t have to think too hard.
A good while back, I was lucky enough to win some Pastry Room gluten free Scone Mix via the Free From Fairy. I had used most of it already, but there was still a batch in the freezer, which now needed to be used double-quick. The mix is really convenient, because it comes in 2kg packs, stored in the freezer as a fresh mix, ready to be weighed into portions and whipped up when you fancy a treat.
I had made some sweet plain and some cheese scones with the mix previously. Actually I don’t recommend using the mix for savoury scones…… It contains some sugar and although the company suggest you can add cheese to it, they do end up with a rather opposed combination of sugary cheese.
On the other hand, it is a fab mix for a sweeter bake. The texture of the scones is pretty soft and they stay fresh for a good couple of days (or you can freeze them if you don’t eat them all in one hit).
I’ve been in need of a bit of a comfort bake…. and with these scones, I used the base mix to explore its versatility with chocolate. I amended the instructions a fair bit to ensure the right consistency of liquid to dry ingredients….. adding drinking chocolate powder and upping the quantity of egg (from medium to large size) and also increasing the milk a little…… as well as throwing in some chocolate chips for good measure……. Well… everything tastes better with chocolate doesn’t it?
If you have a favourite scone mix or home-recipe, then it would be really easy to amend with the same alterations. I will definitely be trying out with a home-mixed scone base.
However you make them, they would be perfect for afternoon tea, picnics, parties, or just because you can….
The scones on their own are really really good. With the Nutella Mascarpone Cream, they are amazing. Add the Roasted Caramelised Hazelnut Crumbs and they are divine…..
I am sharing my yummy scones with the following linkies :
Tea Time Treats with Janie at The Hedge Combers (and Lavender & Lovage). This month’s theme is Colourful. I thought long and hard about whether these scones counted as ‘colourful’….. It depends on what you like I guess, but you’ll find all the elements in the colour wheel of a Dulux paint display, so I figure they’re probably okay….
Free From Fridays with Emma at the Free From Farmhouse.
Recipe of the Week with A Mummy Too.
Chocolate Chocolate-Chip Scones with Nutella Mascarpone Cream & Roasted Caramelised Hazelnut Crumbs
Ingredients
Nutella Mascarpone Cream
300 ml double cream
120g Mascarpone cheese
2 tablespoons Nutella
1 tablespoons icing sugar
a few drops hazelnut extract
Method
- Scones : Pre-heat the oven to 200 C/400 F/Gas 6. Prepare a couple of baking trays by lining with baking paper.
- Put the pastry mix into a large bowl and make a well in the centre. Add the beaten eggs, milk, chocolate powder and chocolate chips and bring together into a sticky dough. You can knead slightly to help the process.
- Tip the dough out onto a well-floured surface or floured cling-film and sprinkle the top with a little GF flour as well, to prevent sticking.
- Roll the dough to about 3 cm/1½ inches thick.
- Use a round pastry cutter 2 to 3 cm in diameter to cut rounds and place them onto the baking tray with a little space between them.
- Bring the remaining dough together and continue the cutting process until all the dough is used.
- Place the uncooked scones to one side for about 10 minutes to ‘rest’. Whilst they are resting, brush the tops with a little milk to glaze.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until well-risen and golden.
- Place on a wire rack to cool completely.
- Roasted Caramelised Hazelnut Crumbs : Using a very small pan, heat the brown sugar with the water until dissolved and bubbling.
- Add the chopped roasted hazelnuts and stir through over the heat until ‘dry’.
- Remove from the heat and set the pan aside to cool completely.
- Nutella Mascarpone Cream : Whisk all the ingredients together in a large bowl until the cream forms soft peaks.
- Serve the scones, cut in half, spread with a generous dollop of Nutella Mascarpone cream and a liberal sprinkling of roasted caramelised hazelnut crumbs.
Gluten Free Alchemist © 2013-16 unless otherwise indicated
Yes baking can certainly be very therapeutic. It will take your mind off for a little while. Your are going through a difficult period of grief and it is not easy but it will get better.
I love your scones and that mascarpone cream on top is wonderful. Love your photos too. All the best, take care x
It will get better for sure Alida. Thank you for your kind words and support. And so glad you like the scones! x
So so sorry for your loss xx
I hope these scones gave you just a bit of comfort (they certainly look like they would) and that things start getting better soon x
Thank you Charlotte. I hope so too! x
Oh wow, these sound amazing, I want one now! #freefromfridays
Thanks Emma x
I like everything about these! They look really pretty and the flavours sound wonderful! Thanks for joining in with #BAKEoftheWEEK !
Thanks Sarah. You're welcome x
these sound like what you need right now – chocolate always brings comfort and I hope they gave you a little happiness! I am impressed you are keeping yourself going as I know how hard it can be with grief – we had a few late mornings to school after my father in law died.
Chocolate has to be a 'go to' when very sad. Guaranteed to help!
I am beginning to run on empty now and will be glad to get on the plane. With school holidays next week, at least mornings will be slightly less stressy…. x
I'm so sad to read about you losing your brother – What a difficult time for you. Hope you manage to get to the States. We have lost a member of our family last week too and I have also found comfort in being in the kitchen – Just the routine of simple cooking seems somehow to help. Sending you so much love. Thanks for joining in with Bake of the Week too x
Thanks Helen. I'm heading out to the US next week, so hoping that will help with moving forward.
Sorry to hear you have had a loss too. Stay strong and look after yourself. xx
Wow, these look amazing! I need Nutella mascarpone cream in my life immediately!! Thanks for entering into Treat Petite!
Thanks Kat. You're welcome. I think Nutella Mascarpone Cream should be in everyone's life! x
I have been thinking of you, there is not much that anyone can say to make you feel better. But I can send you a virtual hug! These scones look and sound so good, especially the nutella and mascarpone cream! xx
Thanks Kirstie. Virtual hug gratefully received!
The Nutella and Mascarpone cream is divine and makes a pretty good dessert on its own (if you whip it enough you get a yummy mousse!)
I hope things get better for you – you're having a bad time at the moment. It is hard to keep going when woes strike, but your scones look magnificent and I love the first photo with it's action shot!
Thanks CC. x
Sorry to hear about your loss. Why do challenges always seem to come along at once. Things will get better. Onwards and upwards. The scones sound a delicious combination
Thanks Katie for your kind words. I do sometimes wonder whether our lives are intricately pre-planned to ether test us or bring us joy, both in extremes. Onwards and Upwards for sure! x
I have been thinking about you after reading your last post. I'm glad you are still able to blog & do some baking! this recipe looks fabulous 🙂 Pinning.
Thanks Angela. I really appreciate everyone's kindness. x
jesus these look so good… and nutella mascarpone… oh HELL YES!!!!!!!
Ha ha! Thanks Dom. x
So sorry to hear that you're having such a tough time! Baking always makes me feel better. Thanks for linking your gorgeous scones up with #CookBlogShare x
Thanks Mandy. Baking can be very therapeutic for sure! x
Oh hun, so sorry, sounds like you've been through it lately! These look lovely and sending you lots of hugs xxx
Thank you Midgie. The hugs are welcome! (and the scones were too) x
What a wonderful gluten-free creation! Looks super delicious! Pinning!
Thank you Ilka x