Orange Poppy Buttermilk Scones

Over the past week, I have been toying around with several ideas to share with you on what we could do to celebrate this Valentines Day. I started with a Breakfast Coffee Doughnut post, for those who still want to stay in bed with a cup of coffee or just wonder around the house in their PJs, 

Personally I am a gal who loves to cook and bake and if my other half cooks or bakes for me, that would literally make my heart skips a beat. Yes, I have always been that kind of person that admires a man who is brave enough to put on an apron and experiment in the kitchen. There is just something sexy about a guy who is not afraid to try new flavours and work with fresh ingredients. To add on, he may even style his own food and snap a photo of it. For today's post, it all about spending a little quality time outdoors. Here's another great idea if you like to get some fresh air, and after a light hike, you could always sink in to a simple and fresh meal. Bring a long a picnic basket and enjoy the moment. First item in my picnic basket are these moist ORANGE POPPY BUTTERMILK SCONES.

These scones are so easy to make and it can be baked the very same day. Only few ingredients required. The combination of orange zest and poppy seed added to the scones gives them a depth of aroma, flavour and texture. To compliment the scones, serve them with good old fashion raspberry jam and homemade whipped fluffy vanilla bean cream.

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Orange Poppy Buttermilk Scones

by Chic & Gorgeous Treats                                          

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* Makes approximately 12-15 pieces.

* Preheat scones for around 30 sec on medium-high  heat in the microwave before serving.

* Scones can be kept up to 2 days in an airtight container.

INGREDIENTS

For scone batter (loosely adapted from Women’s Weekly) 3 cups self-raising flour 2 tablespoons caster sugar 3 tablespoons unsalted butter 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 cups buttermilk 2 tablespoons buttermilk, extra to glaze zest of 1 large orange 3 tablespoons poppy seed 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS To prepare scone batter: 1. Preheat oven to 180°C. Grease with butter and flour the surface of a cookie sheet or baking tray. 2. Sift self-raising flour,in a large bowl, adding salt and sugar next. Then add the orange zest and rub in butter with fingertips and should resemble like fine bread crumbs. 3. Add 2 cups of the buttermilk plus vanilla extract, and poppy seed. Using a spatula, gently fold or “cut” buttermilk-vanilla through the mixture to form a soft sticky dough. 4. Flour the work surface. Press dough out on the floured surface to an even 1 inch thickness. Dip a round or heart shape cutter into flour; cut as many rounds or heart shape as possible from the dough. Place scones side by side on the baking tray, leaving some space in between them, and glaze them with the additional buttermilk. 5. Bake about 20-25 minutes or until scones sound hollow when tapped firmly on the top. Serve scones with fresh whipped cream and jam, or with a slice of butter and some marmalade. ENJOY!

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