Pumpkin Scones and Apple-Pumpkin Butter

Not sure what it is, but whenever it is cold outside I get a craving for scones. I have never made scones…until this recipe! I was very nervous throughout the process, because I desperately wanted them to be good. Since I had never made them before—I had to call in reinforcements (someone who was a an experienced baker) aka my mom-REB!

Reb always stresses to me that she does not like to bake…but whenever it comes to us baking together—we have the most wonderful and fun time (filled with lots of laughs and even some wine!)

The scones turned out to be extremely yummy and not too difficult to make—for whatever reason I had this idea that they would be difficult or take forever or that I would do them wrong. Just shows that I need to stay positive and keep reminding myself that bakers need to be flexible and go with the flow!

I took up baking, because I wanted to find an activity that would help me destress and take my mind away from work and school. Sometimes I have to remind myself that I am doing this for FUN and for MYSELF! 

So try these babies out and let me know what you think! Perfect with some hot coffee or warm hot chocolate!

Ingredients for scones:

-4 and ½ cups of all-purpose flour

-1/2 cup of coconut sugar

-4 teaspoons of baking powder

-1/2 teaspoon of baking soda

-3 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice

-1 teaspoon of cinnamon

-1/2 teaspoon of salt

-1 cup of cold  grass fed butter (usually two full sticks)

-2 eggs

-1 and ¼ cup of canned pumpkin

-3/4 cup of whole milk

Directions for scones:

1.     Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

2.     Combine the first 7 ingredients in a large bowl and whisk together.

3.     Cut in the cold butter—>continue to do this until the mixture resembles coarse crumbles.

4.     In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together.

5.     Stir in the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.

6.     On a floured surface, knead the contents about 10-15 times.

7.     Dived the sough in half and then make each portion into about 8-9 in. circles.

8.     Cut each circle into 8 wedges. Then place on baking sheet (keep about 1 in. apart)

9.     Bake for 12-16 minutes or until the scones are golden brown.

10.  Let cool for about 10 minutes and then enjoy!

Ingredients for apple-pumpkin butter:

-1 can of pumpkin

-2 cups of apple cider (or just use water and more apple sauce)

-1 cup of apple sauce

-1 cup of coconut sugar

-1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg

-1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves

-1 teaspoon of  ground cinnamon

Directions:

1.     In a large sauce pan, combine all the ingredients and simmer for 2 hours. Make sure to stir occasionally.

2.     Once the contents have thickened, pour into a container and refrigerate or freeze.