Have you heard the research on multi-tasking? Studies show that those who multi-task do a worse job and are less effective than those that focus on a singular task.
I always argue this with Aaron as he can only focus on one thing at a time---and while he is doing his one thing, (i.e. feeding the dogs)--I might be organizing a Halloween party, making pizza, helping the kids with their homework and dying my hair. I can get a lot done quickly. It is something I am proud of.
Yesterday, however, my multi-tasking didn't work out too well. Yesterday, I decided to cook. I had a few recipes (chantrelle flatbread, pizza, lentil spinach soup, apple cheddar scones) dancing through my mind for awhile now and I was in the mood for food.
These Apple Cheddar Scones were posted on Smitten Kitchen and Leite's Culinaria within the same week with rave reviews about how great they are. I have always been curious about this apple cheese combination and thought this would be a good and easy way to try it (No, I have never tried apple pie with cheddar cheese.) So, I got busy. While the pizza dough was rising and lentils were boiling, I followed the recipe.
I baked the apples.
I cubed the butter.
I sifted the dry. (Can you tell which ingredient is missing?)
I mixed the butter, apples and dry ingredients together.
"Hmmmm.....why isn't it coming together?, " I asked myself.
Oh yeah---I forgot the egg. At this point, I was worried as the recipe says to be very careful about overmixing. I was getting dangerously close to that point.
Ahhh....done. Dough on the counter top, pounding it flat thinking, "What a nice dough this is--just some butter, flour, egg, apples and cream. Wait? Cream? I forgot the cream!!"
"What are scones without heavy cream?"
The dough went back to the mixer and I added the cream. Now it was coming together. Sort of.
The rest of the process was messy and embarrassing. I couldn't get it to cut in nice triangles, likely due to the odd combination of ingredients and the overmixing--so I ended up with an assortment of shapes.
The final step--the egg wash and sprinkling of sugar reminded me that I hadn't mixed in any sugar in the dough. Ahhhh! I was ready to throw the whole thing away.
And my photos---yikes! My mind was just not there. (Speaking of minds not being there, when I told my mom I was baking scones, she said, "Scones? What are scones? Those things you put ice cream in?" Maybe it had something to do with the ways the stars were aligned yesterday?)
Fortunately, the scones were edible and have the potential to be very good. I need to try again. A time when I can focus.
In the meantime, if you are eager to try these out, I suggest heading over to Smitten Kitchen or Leite's Culinaria for the recipe and directions.
I will only get you into trouble.
Southern Elle says
They look like they taste great, despite everything - hope you do try again!