Friday Scones

I am making a batch of these this morning to bring to my boys when they wake up. They won't look as pretty as these, but the boys don't spend much time looking at them. We have been having some..ahem..disequilibrium in the house lately. I'm hoping to start the day off better with something sweet, crumbly, and warm. They are easy, so if you feel so inspired, here is the recipe, adapted from my Pillsbury cookbook:
2 cups flour
1/4 cup sugar
3 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 cup butter
3/4 cup buttermilk
1 egg
2/3 cup favorite dried fruit

Heat oven to 400. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Blend well. Cut in butter until mixture is crumbly. Stir in your currants, raisins, dried cherries...what have you. Beat the egg and buttermilk together and add all at once. Stir until just moist. Knead 5 or 6 times on floured surface. Sometimes I just put some flour in the bottom of a big bowl and knead it that way. Place on ungreased cookie sheet and press into an 8-inch circle about 1 inch thick. Cut into 8 wedges; don't separate. Sprinkle with sugar. Bake at 400 for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.

These can easily be adapted to a savory side for a soup night. Rather than fruit, add herbs and/or cheese. Perfect for dipping.
Here's hoping there are some smiles in your Friday.

Super quick supper

Winter Saturday Supper

Much to my chagrin, my three growing boys need meals every day. Even Saturday. So here is a quick and easy supper for a rare night when the babysitter is coming, or when I feel like taking it easy without take-out.


Twenty Minute chili


1+ lbs. ground beef and/or gound turkey

1T cumin

1tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. pepper

1-2 cloves garlic, crushed

3 16oz. jars good quality prepared salsa

1 cup water or stock

1-2 cans chili beans

shredded cheddar

tortilla chips


Brown the meat in a large saute pan. Add garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper. Put the seasoned cooked meat in a large saucepan over medium heat and add the salsa, water or stock, and beans. Stir and heat through. Serve in bowls with cheddar and chips.

Voila!!! Cue up the movie and call it a night.