Butternut Squash-Pecan Scones with Coconut

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Since 2020, I’ve been making one variation or another of these tasty sour cream scones but until recently hadn’t tried a savory-leaning version. A stash of chopped butternut squash that I thought I’d use to bake a batch went, instead, into re-testing an old tortellini with Italian sausage soup recipe I planned on teaching for a cooking class. I bought more and used that for the class itself, along with a whole squash I peeled and chopped. Still no scones baked. It happens. Sadly, the next squash went squishy and white-specked before I could get it cooked. Ugh and sorry! Back to the store, squash purchased again. Then: A free afternoon finally at hand, I worked out the recipe and baked more than a few of these fun little gems. And, it turns out, they’re not totally a savory bake as in Cheddar-Dill Biscuits, let’s say. To begin with, butternut squash itself skews sweet like pumpkin, doesn’t it? My other star and desired ingredients were toasted pecans and sweetened coconut. Toasted pecans feel as if they belong with sweeter ingredients, as of course does sweetened coconut. Add that up with sugar in the dough (less than in a fruit scone but still…) and there’s defo a sweet-ish side to this squash quick bread. But just wait. We tried them with coffee and breakfast, then again with roast chicken dinner, hunkered up with afternoon tea, and found these scones sidled up perfectly next to whichever. Think Sunday fried chicken biscuits that are just great Monday morning with jam. So you choose how you serve them or just keep eating — no additional butter needed, either. That’s what best sous and husband Dave and I are doing.

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Apple Spice Granola

Contains “just a little kick!”
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If by chance you follow me on Facebook or Instagram or have read the blog for a while (Thanks much!), you might know I make granola about once a month. A granola post proclaims, “IT’S GRANOLA DAY AT ALYCE’S HOUSE!” Other than purchasing commercially made cereal for some odd-indeed recipe or a donation, I probably haven’t bought cereal in close to 15 years. I eat an egg and veggie wrap or omelet or a bowl of oatmeal with an egg cooked in it every day for breakfast. My best sous and husband Dave is the one who must have his granola for the daily yogurt and fruit. Hence the many pans of granola and the many granola recipes on the blog.

#justaddmilk or yogurt

This apple version is very much like THANKSGIVING GRANOLA (take it to your sister’s when you go for the holiday) but, after a bit of reflection, I’ve cut the “sugar”–which is local, if possible, honey and real maple syrup — in half and increased the spices just enough to make them pop. The recipe, originally adapted from the fabulous David Lebovitz, who I think borrowed it from the uber-cool Nigella Lawson (!), contains only 2 tablespoons of healthy olive oil. It’s the perfect baked gift for those who don’t bake and the perfect breakfast for those who don’t cook. Just think of only putting out yogurt, fresh fruit, and your very own granola for breakfast the next time company stays over. Ok, maybe add some great bread, peanut butter, and Bonne Maman jam next to the toaster, coffee pot, and mugs. VoilĂ !

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