Scones

Scones are probably my favorite pastry. When I eat them, I like to imagine myself sitting in a pub in London, drinking some tea or coffee. The original recipe called for strawberry jam in the center, but when I made it, the jam oozed out, and burnt. So, personally, I think spreading jam on them would be fine.

Ingredients:
3 cups All Purpose Flour
1 cup 35% Whipping Cream (chilled) (15% for lighter scones)
1 tablespoon Baking Powder
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1/4 White Sugar
1 cup Vegetable Shortening (chilled)
1 egg, beaten

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and line pan with cooking spray and wax paper.

2. Combine flour, salt, sugar, and baking powder.
3. Cut the cold shortening up to bite sized pieces.

4. Use a fork to mash the shortening into the dry mixture. When it resembles a coarse bread crumb like substance, cream is ready to be added. Pour the cream in and form into a sticky dough.

5. Flour your rolling surface. Roll the dough out to 2 cm thick. Use a round cookie cutter, or a small cup to cut out the dough.

6. Place all scones on the baking sheet and use a cooking brush to brush the egg over the top.

7. Bake for 15 - 20 minutes. The scones should be slightly taller than they were prior to being in the oven, and the top should be golden.

Caramelized Bananas

I found this recipe in an old children's cookbook. Turns out, caramelized bananas were a 50's classic. Served with two scoops of ice cream, or in their regular shape, these are delicious.

Ingredients:
1 medium ripe banana, sliced

2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon butter
Step 1: Melt the butter in a small pan on medium heat.
Step 2: Once the butter starts to turn golden, add the sliced bananas and coat evenly with the butter.
Step 3: Flip the bananas to the other side and sprinkle the brown sugar on.
Step 4: Remove from the heat and toss altogether.

Serve with ice-cream or by themselves. It is also possible to bake them in the oven. Slice a banana in half lengthwise, rub with butter, sprinkle on brown sugar, and bake in a 350 degree oven until soft.