There are a few chores I routinely tackle on the weekends in order to bring sanity to my weekday schedule. I do grocery shopping, laundry, and clean out the fridge (I hate mystery containers, so I'm hyper-diligent on this front!). I also plan meals (based on how much I anticipate being home before everyone becomes "hangry"), cook, and bake. I usually make my baking choices based on what will come in handy for lunches and snacks. It doesn't hurt that my kids love helping with the process. Translation: I make a lot of banana bread and scones.

I'm indiscriminate on the banana bread recipe; I like almost every one that I've tried. However, I have yet to top the scone recipe passed along by my sister-in-law, Rebecca. The recipe is a staple in our home because it's simple and foolproof. If you learn this recipe by heart, you’ll always have something to contribute to people who need a little pick-me-up. I send these over with meals for people with newborns, to the neighbors, or to someone just to let them know that they’re loved. Feel free to start your own baking tradition!

3 cups flour
½ cup sugar
1 Tbsp. baking powder
1 tsp. Salt (optional)
½ cup butter (NOT margarine) brought to room temp.
¾ cup milk (or buttermilk)
1 egg
¾ cup “filling” (raisins, chocolate chips, dried cranberries – whatever you like!)

Stir together dry ingredients; work in butter until fine crumbs. Stir in “filling.” Beat egg (a fork beat does fine) and milk and add to dry ingredients. Stir together until dough forms. Turn out to floured surface and knead lightly. Pat into a circle ½ to ¾ inch thick. Cut into triangles. OR divide the dough into thirds and make smaller circles and more bite-sized scones.

Bake in a pre-heated oven at 400 degrees for 20 minutes or until lightly browned on top. Remove from baking sheet immediately to make sure the bottom doesn't over cook.

Store leftover scones in Ziploc bags to protect freshness. However, if a leftover gets hard, wrap in a WET paper towel and put in the microwave for 10-20 seconds. Enjoy!

Sunday Scones