Roasted Pear and Gruyere Scones
Served warm from the oven these scones with their chunks of tender pear and the nutty sweetness of gruyere will brighten the morning for those lucky enough to receive one.
- 2 large pears, peeled, cored and diced 2cm pieces (you need 2½ cups)
- 2 cups plain flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 3 tablespoons caster sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon aniseed*, toasted and lightly ground
- 1 cup grated gruyere cheese
- 50 grams very cold butter
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg, beaten
Preheat oven to 180˚C
Place the pears on a lined baking tray and bake for 15 minutes, turning once until lightly coloured and they look a little dry. Spread out on a large plate and cool. The pears will discolour a little, but this is fine.
Increase the oven to 200˚C.
Put the flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, aniseed and cheese in a large bowl. Grate in the cold butter and toss everything together with a fork.
Mix in the cooled pears then add the milk. Quickly bring together with a fork to form a very soft dough. Tip onto a lightly floured bench and pat into a rectangle about 3cm thick. Cut into 8 pieces and carefully transfer to a lined baking tray. The scones will be very soft. Brush the tops with beaten egg then bake for 12 minutes until puffed and golden. Serve warm with butter. Makes 8
*Aniseed is not the same as star anise. Look for it at good food stores as well as Indian and Asian shops. Substitute ½ teaspoon ground fennel or cumin if unavailable.
latest issue:
Issue #115
Issue 115 is packed with inspiration for all kinds of cosy meals – whether you’re dining alone, as two or with a few. We start with our Plating Game interview with Jesse Mulligan which inspired a medley of curries and sides then move on to a round up of easy one-pan chicken dishes, a variety of pasta bakes and meatballs, and using one simple yet delicious tart base we whip up five fab filling options. Sarah’s wintry faves include a moreish chorizo (not) carbonara, lamb and spinach filo pie and we finish off with sweet treats and decadent puds. We love seeing what you create, don’t forget to share your dish dishes with our Facebook community. When it comes to winter cooking, make it SIMPLY YUM!