For the Sake of Baking: Orange Scones

Pandemic bakers. We’re a dime a baker’s dozen. 

Contrary to the popular narrative, it wasn’t about escaping boredom for me. I've always liked the idea of baking, and tried my hand at it a few times throughout the years. Every 3 years or so, someone in my life would be the recipient of a rushed and unbalanced cake made by the hands of me. 

The midst of 2020 had me milling around the house, and my lack of plans afforded me no excuses not to attempt baking something, sans rushing. 

Baking became my first real hobby. Something I do for fun. I enjoy the process, I savor the outcome, I don't feel obligated to do it, and I don't do it to advance my career. 

I bake for the sake of baking. 

One of the things I like making the most is scones. I think what I like about them is that they’re delightfully unassuming. Scones don’t get the attention they deserve and I’m not sure why. When they’re done, scones look well-kept and rustic at the same time. They can be both crumbly AND moist. They have it all. 

This blog is going to serve as a bakebook as I try out new recipes (including, but not limited to scones).  

Officially kicking this off with these glazed orange scones from My Baking Addiction! 

here they are in their natural pre-glaze glow

post-glaze close-up

My takes – 

• Yummy and really easy to make!

• Some recipes tout a short “total time” and they’re usually not accounting for someone who tends to be much slower in the kitchen (me). But this one was pretty accurate! It says 32 minutes and was actually only 35 minutes for me.

• I like that the recipe calls for 8 tablespoons of butter because a lot of scone recipes I’ve seen call for 7 tablespoons, which leaves me with an uncomfortable 1 tablespoon of stick butter in my fridge. Let’s be honest with ourselves - we’re using the whole stick.

• Taste them unglazed first before you glaze. Especially if you’re sensitive to sweetness like most of my household, you might find that they won’t need much, if any!