There is a cinnamon chip scone at Panera Bread that I used to crave desperately. I could down the entire thing (and they are big) without a hic-cup. It is a good think that there are no Panera Breads near here because it has forced me to make my own scones. Traditionally, scones are not in the healthy eating bracket nor do they boast much nutrition, so I went out on a limb and tried a healthy version of a scone.
I keep a stash of dried bing cherries in my cupboard. They have no added sugar and perfectly compliment a blend of nuts and seeds to snack on. I also add them to a green salad. I find these at Trader Joes. You could substitute dried apricots or a dried fruit of your choice. I chopped the cherries to about the size of a small raisin.
I used almond flour to make them gluten free, but you could use a blend of whole wheat and unbleached if you desire. I am having fun experimenting with various nut, seed, rice and bean flours.
My next step was to coarsely chop 1/4 c. pistachios.
I am cooking and baking with a new sweetener. If you have followed my blog you have seen that we have cut out most refined sugar from our diet. When I had heard people talk about eliminating white sugar and flour from their diet, my first thought was, “how dreadful” and my second thought was, “impossible!” I am here to tell you that it is possible and it is far from dreadful! There are wonderful natural replacements that keep food delicious and better yet, nutritious! Our world is full of natural sweeteners…we don’t need the refined stuff!
This Fruit Sweet from Wax Orchards has a mild and fruity taste. You can find this in the Organic Section at our local Hy Vee. It has a consistency of thin honey. Notice the ingredients…pear and pineapple!
2 c
In my opinion, any muffin, cookie or scone is better with grated lemon zest.
Mix together 2 c. almond meal, 1/2 t. grated lemon zest, 1/2 t. salt, 1/2 t. baking soda, 1 large egg, 2 T. Fruit Sweet (or honey or agave) 1/4 c. sesame seeds, 1/4 c. chopped pistachios, and 1/2 c. dried chopped bing cherries. Using your hands form dough into a 6-7” circle that is about 3/4” thick. Using a pizza cutter, cut into wedges.
Bake in a 350 degree oven for 12-15 minutes. Serve warm with 100% fruit jam or jelly.
2 cups almond flour (or flour of your choice)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon baking soda
1/2 c. dried bing cherries, chopped fine
¼ cup sesame seeds
¼ cup pistachios, coarsely chopped
1 large egg
2 tablespoons Fruit Sweet (or honey or agave)
First combine dry ingredients, then add the liquid, fruit and nuts. Form into 6” circle with your hands. It will be about 3/4” thick. Using pizza cutter, cut into wedges. Bake at 350 for 12-15 minutes. Serve warm with 100% fruit jelly or jam. The perfect compliment to your afternoon tea!
An extra handful of cherries and pistachios goes quite well with them too!
