Holiday Perfection: Unveiling Tartine's Buttermilk Currant Scones with Luscious Lemon Cream
There are some recipes that transcend mere sustenance, becoming etched into the fabric of our most cherished memories. For many, especially during the festive season, the humble scone holds such power – a beacon of warmth, comfort, and simple elegance. But we're not talking about just any scone. We're talking about the kind that inspires devoted loyalty, the kind that whispers of tradition while delivering unparalleled flavour and texture. We’re talking about
Tartine's Buttermilk Currant Scones, especially when paired with their luminous lemon cream – a duo that truly embodies holiday perfection.
Imagine a crisp, chilly morning, perhaps in the lead-up to Thanksgiving or Christmas. The aroma of freshly baked goods wafts through your home, promising a moment of pure bliss. For those who adore a proper English scone, with its flaky, buttery layers and tender crumb, this Tartine adaptation is a revelation. It’s the kind of scone that, once tasted, earns its place as a year-round staple, adapting its fruit to the seasons. But it truly shines when laden with plump, juicy currants and presented with a vibrant, homemade lemon cream – a combination that elevates the simple scone into an unforgettable culinary experience.
The Allure of Tartine's Buttermilk Currant Scones
What makes Tartine’s buttermilk scone recipe so exceptional? It begins with a deep understanding of what makes a scone truly great: the marriage of high-quality ingredients with precise technique. This recipe, adapted from Tartine's renowned bakery, delivers a scone that is simultaneously light, tender, and incredibly flaky, with that characteristic slight crackle on the exterior.
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The Butter Factor: The foundation of any superb scone is butter, and in this case, good quality unsalted butter is non-negotiable. The richer the butter, particularly good Irish butter, the more pronounced its flavour and the more tender your scones will be. The cold, diced butter is cut into the flour, creating pockets of fat that release steam during baking, resulting in those coveted flaky layers.
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Buttermilk's Magic: Buttermilk isn't just about flavour; it's a leavening agent's best friend. Its acidity reacts with the baking soda, contributing to a lighter, airier texture and a subtle tang that beautifully complements the sweetness of the currants. It also helps to tenderize the dough, preventing toughness.
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Currants – The Winter Jewel: While this versatile dough welcomes berries in the summer, Zante currants are the star here. Their small size and concentrated sweetness, with a hint of tartness, burst with flavour, distributing evenly throughout the scone without overpowering it. They lend a traditional, comforting feel, perfectly suited for cooler weather and holiday tables.
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The "Scon" Debate: As one admirer puts it, these are definitely "scon" (pronounced to rhyme with "gone"), not "scone" (rhyming with "cone"). This playful nod to the classic English pronunciation highlights their authentic, old-world charm. They are substantial enough to satisfy, yet delicate enough to melt in your mouth, begging to be devoured, often two or three at a time.
A Recipe for All Seasons (and Reasons)
One of the brilliant aspects of Tartine’s recipe is its inherent versatility and practicality. While currants are a classic choice, don't hesitate to experiment with other dried fruits. As Angela Matz from West Allis, Wisconsin, discovered with her lemon cream scones, dried cherries can add a delightful twist, especially when served with a hot pot of tea for a quick warm-up. This adaptability ensures that these scones can grace your table year-round, simply by swapping out the fruit.
Perhaps the most ingenious feature for the busy home baker, especially during the hectic holiday season, is the dough's freezing capability. The unbaked scones freeze beautifully. Imagine the luxury of having a batch of ready-to-bake scones in your freezer, waiting to be pulled out for an impromptu brunch, an unexpected guest, or simply a spontaneous craving for something warm and comforting.
Practical Tip: Freezing Unbaked Scones
To freeze, simply form the scones as directed, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight freezer bag or container. When you're ready to bake, there's no need to thaw! Just place the frozen scones on a baking sheet, add a few extra minutes to the baking time, and enjoy freshly baked perfection whenever the mood strikes. This invaluable tip allows you to truly master the art of homemade treats without the daily commitment.
Elevating the Experience: Tartine's Luscious Lemon Cream
While Tartine's currant scones are undoubtedly magnificent on their own – so flavourful they honestly don't even need a dab of butter – the holiday season often inspires a "gilding-the-lily" spirit. This is precisely where Tartine's lemon cream enters the scene, transforming an already exceptional treat into an extraordinary one.
The lemon cream is more than just a topping; it's a partner in flavour and texture. It’s described as luscious and bright, and for good reason. Its vibrant citrus notes cut through the richness of the butter in the scones, offering a refreshing counterpoint to their slight sweetness. The silky-smooth texture of the cream melts into the warm scone, creating an exquisite mouthfeel that is utterly irresistible. This isn't just jam or butter; it's a bespoke complement, designed to enhance every nuance of the scone.
Making homemade lemon cream adds a layer of artisanal charm to your holiday spread. It speaks of effort and care, turning a simple breakfast item into a gourmet delight. The bright, tangy profile of the lemon cream makes it an ideal pairing, particularly when featuring
Tartine's flaky currant scones with their hint of lemon zest. The interplay of sweet, tart, and buttery is nothing short of magical.
Crafting Perfection: Tips for Scone Success
Achieving those perfect, flaky scones with a tender crumb isn't difficult, but it does benefit from a few key techniques:
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Measure with Precision: For baking, accuracy is paramount. Always use a digital scale to measure your flour and other dry ingredients. This eliminates inconsistencies that can arise from volumetric measuring (cups) and ensures the perfect dough consistency every time.
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Keep Everything Cold: This is crucial. Your butter, buttermilk, and even your flour should be as cold as possible. Cold ingredients prevent the butter from melting prematurely, ensuring it creates those steam pockets for flakiness. Work quickly and avoid overworking the dough, as the warmth of your hands can melt the butter.
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The Right Sugar for the Crust: While a sprinkle of granulated sugar before baking adds a nice touch, turbinado sugar takes it to the next level. Its larger crystals create a beautiful, crunchy, and caramelized crust that adds both texture and extra sweetness, making your scones even more appealing.
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Gentle Handling: Once you've combined your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything comes together. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tough scones. A light touch is key to maintaining that delicate, tender crumb.
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Don't Skimp on Lemon Zest: The recipe calls for the zest of one lemon. Don't skip it! Lemon zest adds an incredible aromatic brightness to the scones themselves, enhancing the currant flavour and harmonizing with the lemon cream.
Beyond the Recipe: Making Holiday Memories
Baking Tartine's buttermilk currant scones with lemon cream is more than just following a recipe; it's about creating an experience. It's about taking the time to craft something beautiful and delicious for those you cherish. Whether it's for a special holiday visitor, a festive brunch, or simply a luxurious weekend treat, the act of baking these scones infuses your home with a comforting aroma and a sense of occasion.
Imagine your sole visitor, perhaps your father as in one recounted experience, eagerly devouring two or three, slathering each with butter and jam, or better yet, your homemade lemon cream, murmuring approvals all the way. These are the moments that truly make the holidays special, and food, especially something as lovingly prepared as these scones, plays a central role.
Conclusion
From their flaky, buttery texture to the sweet burst of currants and the bright counterpoint of homemade lemon cream, Tartine’s Buttermilk Currant Scones offer a journey of flavour that is truly captivating. They embody the essence of holiday baking: a perfect blend of tradition, comfort, and a touch of indulgence. So, break out that good Irish butter, embrace the "gilding-the-lily" spirit, and create these exquisite tartines currant scones lemon cream masterpieces. You’re not just baking; you’re crafting memories, one perfect scone at a time.
