Just When We Thought It Was Safe to Venture Out Again......

Hi everybody:

We were just beginning to return to normal when we were hit with another batch of snow yesterday. I was out grocery shopping with Grandma when Dad (Ted) called and said that we were under a Winter Weather Advisory. Grandma and I quickly (?) finished our shopping and I got her home before the heavy snow began to fall. I think we got another 3 - 4 inches before it was all done. The kids are off school today and things are moving slow again. You will notice that there are no pictures of them frolicing in the snow or the birds sitting pretty in the trees. The novelty has worn off !!!! One nice surprise. Barbara Shierenbeck from next door sent over a very nice dessert yesterday for Dad and I because he cleaned their driveway twice last week. Who'd a thunk????? Since we are unable to do much else we decided to paint the family room. Dad has been working all day and hopefully he will be finished tomorrow One bright spot in all of this was seeing everyone's pictures and hearing from everyone. It has been more fun than I even thought.

Ken, the cookies look fantastic. Thanks for the recipe.
Patti, I will add the recipe for Cinnamon Bun Scones for you. They are really easy and soooo good.
Linda, I think you must have had more snow and ice that we did up here. Our gutters all look fine. Thanks for the 'heads up'.
Todd, I don't know what to tell you about your breakfast casserole but I am sure Bob Evans never intended for it to look that way. Did you eat it? How did it taste?
Fr. Rick and Uncle Mike, those are really good pictures. Looks like you both were having fun. Thanks for sharing.
Speaking of pictures. I love all the pictures of the kids. We are all so lucky to have such good looking young'uns.

Everyone I talk to around here is talking about 'watching their weight'. I am sure it has a lot to do with all those Christmas Cookies we worked on. I have an idea! How about if each of you share a salad or salad dressing recipe that you particularly like. We can then each try some of them while we are busy counting calories? But I am getting ahead of myself, for today here is the recipe for the scones. Happy baking. bj

Iced Cinnamon Bun Scones

Makes 8 scones

2/3 c. light brown sugar
1 stick (4 oz.) cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2" dice, pluse 2 Tbl. softened butter
1 1/4 tsp. cinnamon
3 c all purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1/3 c. granulated sugar
1 Tbl. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. heavy cream
1 large egg
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1/4 c. cream cheese, softened
1 tsp. fresh lemon juice
2 c. confectioners' sugar

Preheat oven to 425. Line a large heavy baking sheet with parchment paper. In a food processor, pulse the brown sugar with the 2 Tbl. of softened butter and 1 tsp. cinnamon until soft crumbs form. Transfer the mixture to a bowl. In the food processor, combine 3 c. flour with the granulated sugar, baking powder, salt and remaining 1/4 tsp. cinnamon and pulse to blend. Add the diced butter and pulse until the mixutre resembles small peas. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and make a well in the center. Add the cream, egg and vanilla to the well and stir to combine. Using a wooden spoon, gradually stir in the flour mixture until a firm dough forms. Crumble the brown sugar mixture over the dough and knewd it into the dough, leaving some streaks. Lightly dust a work surface with flour. Turn the dough out onto it and knead 3 times. Pat or roll the dough into an 8" round, about 1" thick. Cut into 8 wedges, then transfer the scones to the baking sheet and refrigerate for 10 minutes. Bake for 18-20 min. or until browned. Let cool slightly on the sheet, then transfer to a wire rack. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese with the lemon juice. Beat in the confectioners sugar until smooth. Spread the icing over the warm scones.

These can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

(Originaly posted by Bonnie. Imported from old blog by Admin on 7/17/2009)