Culinary SOS: Sweetie Pies Bakery’s orange breakfast scones

Dear SOS: I love the Sweetie Pies Bakery in Napa Valley. Last time, I tried the sweet-glazed currant scone. Would it be possible to get the recipe?

Elisabeth Anders

Napa Valley

Dear Elisabeth: Sweetie Pies Bakery folds the small but brightly flavored currants with fresh orange zest in these wonderfully flaky scones. Drizzle over a sweet orange-scented glaze, and they make a delightful breakfast or a perfect snack.

Sweetie Pie’s orange breakfast scones

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Total time: 1 hour, plus chilling and cooling times for the scones

Servings: Makes about 6 scones, depending on size

Note: Adapted from Sweetie Pies Bakery in Napa Valley.

Scones

1 2/3 cups (7 ounces) all-purpose flour

1 1/3 cups (5½ ounces) cake flour

1/4 cup sugar

3 3/4 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons (1¼ sticks) cold butter, cut into cubes

1/4 cup currants

2 tablespoons orange zest

1 egg

1/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons half-and-half

3/4 teaspoon orange juice

1/4 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup turbinado sugar

1. Into a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the flours, sugar, baking powder and salt.

2. Over low speed, add the butter cubes and mix just until the mixture resembles a coarse meal, about 3 minutes.

3. Add the currants and orange zest, and mix just to combine.

4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg, half-and-half and orange juice. With the mixer running, slowly add the liquid ingredients until incorporated, careful not to over mix.

5. Remove the dough from the bowl and place on a lightly floured surface. Press the mixture together to form a cohesive mass. Roll or press to a thickness of 1 inch and cut into desired shapes (scraps may be re-rolled one time and cut again).

6. Place the scones on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 1½ inches apart, and cover and chill overnight (or freeze for 1 hour). Shortly before baking, heat the oven to 375 degrees.

7. Brush the scones with the heavy cream and sprinkle over the turbinado sugar. Bake the scones until risen, the bottoms are browned and the tops are golden-brown in spots, 25 to 35 minutes, depending on the oven. Rotate the scones halfway through baking to ensure even coloring.

8. Remove the scones and cool on a wire rack.

Orange frosting and assembly

1 cup powdered sugar

2 tablespoons butter

1 tablespoon orange juice

2 to 4 tablespoons milk

Scones

1. Make the frosting: In the bowl of a stand mixer or in a large bowl, combine the powdered sugar and butter. Mix using the paddle attachment (or a hand mixer) until the butter is softened and incorporated. With the mixer running, slowly add the orange juice. Add the milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the frosting is just pourable.

2. Brush or drizzle the frosting over the scones. Serve immediately.

Each of 6 scones: 655 calories; 8 grams protein; 89 grams carbohydrates; 2 grams fiber; 30 grams fat; 19 grams saturated fat; 113 mg cholesterol; 41 grams sugar; 436 mg sodium.

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