I’ve always had a soft spot for scones. Growing up in Louisiana where biscuits are more popular, scones have always seemed a little extra special to me. Maybe it’s the option to add fruit, nuts, or cheese that makes them more exciting, or perhaps it’s the clotted cream and jam that they’re traditionally served with. This recipe is inspired by my love for scones and uses my base scone recipe plus earthy, tangy English Stilton and crunchy walnuts for a savory surprise. The fat from the English Stilton helps create flaky layers in the scones, and I like to use buttermilk rather than cream because I love the added tanginess.
When you’re ready to whip up a batch, be sure not to overmix this dough—visible chunks of butter in the dough is a good thing, so don’t worry if you think it isn’t incorporated. This dough can be made ahead of time and kept in the freezer, which is ideal if you want scones bright and early in the morning. For a perfect golden-brown finish, make sure to brush the tops of the scones with a little buttermilk or cream before popping them in a preheated oven. When it’s time to serve, these scones pair nicely with tons of apple butter (or apple jam, if you’re in the U.K.) slathered on top for a sweet addition. And of course, no scone would be complete without something to sip alongside. I like to enjoy mine with a glass of English sparkling wine like Gusbourne Brut Reserve, which is fruity and has a hint of spice that pairs perfectly with the richness of the scones. For a booze-free option, I like a glass of Noughty Non-Alcoholic Sparkling White Wine—either sip makes me feel like I’m enjoying high tea in the afternoon. —Nini Nguyen
This recipe is shared in partnership with GREAT British Food. Each dish was inspired by the new season of Top Chef World All Stars, which was filmed in the U.K. This season's contestants get to cook with amazing British foods like lamb, seafood, and fantastic cheeses. This dish uses Welsh lamb, which you can get right here in the U.S.
For more British cooking inspo, check out Great British Food on Instagram. —The Editors
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