Vanilla Bean Rhubarb-Ginger Scones
Not long after we began dating, my Chief Culinary Consultant told me about the fabulous strawberry-rhubarb pies that his grandmother used to make. At that time, I had never, ever in my life tasted rhubarb. When I told him, he was totally dumbfounded. I promised to make a strawberry-rhubarb pie for him one day, and I kept my word. One beautiful May morning, he left to go golfing, and I headed to the store for rhubarb and pie supplies. I had no idea what I would think of rhubarb, but I ended up loving it!
Since it’s only available here for a short time in April and May, I try to take advantage of it each spring and incorporate it into a number of recipes. As soon as I saw those beautiful reddish-pink stalks in the produce department last week, I snatched some up and started brainstorming. I hadn’t made scones since my mom’s birthday in September (chocolate chip are her favorite!), and I love the combination of rhubarb and ginger, so before long my idea was solidified.
Those chocolate chip scones are one of my favorites as well, in large part due to their tender texture (the chocolate doesn’t hurt, either!). I went the same route with these scones, and added a small amount of butter to increase the flakiness. Instead of simply including vanilla extract, I infused the sugar with vanilla bean, which will makes your hands smell phenomenal! Lastly, I chopped up some rhubarb and tossed it in sugar before adding it to the mixture, and threw in a good dose of crystallized ginger.
I can’t get enough of flecks of vanilla bean!
So pretty!
The result were impossible-to-resist scones. They are wholly acceptable for breakfast, snacks or dessert; the right amount of sweetness provides balance to the tart rhubarb, and the ginger gives them a little kick. The scones are definitely best straight from the oven, but can be kept airtight for a few days.
So what if it snowed again two nights ago (that makes snow on my birthday two years in a row, if you’re keeping track)?
Spring has definitely sprung in my kitchen!
One year ago: Coconut-Vanilla Bean Cake with Coconut Meringue Buttercream Frosting
Two years ago: Homemade Fudge Pops
Three years ago: Baked Doughnuts with Cinnamon-Sugar
Four years ago: Cucumber-Tomato Bruschetta Appetizer
Six years ago: The Perfect Party Cake
Seven years ago: Baked Mac n’ Cheese
Vanilla Bean Rhubarb-Ginger Scones
Yield: 12 scones
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Cream scones infused with vanilla bean and loaded with rhubarb and crystallized ginger.
Ingredients:
3 stalks rhubarb, cut into ¼-inch slices (about 1 cup)
½ cup granulated sugar, divided, plus more for sprinkling
2-inch piece of whole vanilla bean
2½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes
½ cup chopped crystallized ginger
1 cup heavy cream
Granulated sugar, for sprinkling
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.
2. Place the sliced rhubarb in a small bowl and toss with 3 tablespoons of the sugar; set aside.
3. Place the remaining sugar in a large bowl. Slice the piece of vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape the seeds into the sugar. Using your fingertips, rub the vanilla seeds into the sugar until it is evenly distributed. Add the flour, baking powder and salt to the bowl and whisk to combine.
4. Add the cubed butter and, using a pastry blender or two knives, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it is the texture of coarse sand and there are no pieces of butter larger than the size of a pea remaining. Stir the rhubarb and ginger into the mixture, making sure that everything is evenly coated in flour.
5. Pour the heavy cream into the flour mixture and, using a wooden spoon, gently stir until all of the cream has been absorbed. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead a few times to bring the dough together.
6. Divide the dough in two and pat each into a 7-inch circle. Cut six triangles out of each circle and place on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle with additional granulated sugar.
7. Bake until the scones are set and golden brown, about 20 t0 25 minutes. Cool on the baking sheet for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool. Serve warm or at room temperature. Store the scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
