Chocolate Chip Espresso Scones - National Library Week Day #4

Chocolate Chip Espresso Scones

Yippee! It's National Library Week! Every day, I’m highlighting a library thing, baking something and giving something away. It has been so inspiring to read your comments about your local library and your sweet memories of librarians. I hope you take some time to recognize the awesome information professionals in your life!

The Library Thing:   
Yesterday, I was the Food Librarian Fairy and delivered assorted baked goods to friends at two different special libraries. What's a special library? Special Libraries include, but are not limited to, corporate, museum, law, newspaper, medical, and private company libraries. These librarians can get data out of Lexis Nexis faster than anyone, and help you find a treasure in a museum's special collection. When you think of librarians...don't just think storytime. Think way beyond that...to someone with a law degree, PhD or a medical background in addition to a Master's degree in library science or information studies. In short, special librarians are special!

The Baking Thing:
What else?! Scones!! I think scones are the best! They quickly come together and you can make them in one big bowl and your little fingers. You can even make them the night before, pop in the freezer and bake off in the morning.

I really like the square scone because it is really easy to form and you can just go at it with a knife or bench scraper. Cream is brushed on top and sanding sugar or raw sugar is sprinkled on top. I used mini chocolate chips because you get a bit of chocolate in every bite!

Recipe:

Chocolate Chip Espresso Scones

Printable recipe here
Adapted from Karen DeMasco's The Craft of Baking (Amazon or your library)

Scone:
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 Tablespoon plus 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 cup plus 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) chilled unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1/2 cup semi-sweet mini chocolate chips
1 Tablespoon instant espresso powder
1 teaspoon hot water
1 cup heavy cream

Topping:
2 Tablespoons heavy cream
Sanding sugar or Turbinado sugar

Note: The cookbook's instruction include using a KitchenAid with paddle attachment. I made my scones by hand. Please get this lovely cookbook The Craft of Baking and see page 24 for the chef's instructions.
1. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, sugar and salt. Add the butter pieces to the bowl. Place the bowl in the freezer for 5 minutes.
2. In a measuring cup, mix espresso powder with 1 teaspoon hot water. Mix to dissolve. Add 1 cup cold cream and combine together.
3. Remove bowl from freezer. Using your hands or a pastry cutter, cut in butter until it is pea size.
4. Toss in chocolate chips.
5. Pour the espresso-cream mixture over the flour mixture and blend with your hands or a spatula until dough just comes together.
6. Remove dough onto floured surface. Gently knead a couple times, but don't overmix. Form into a circle for wedges or a square, about 3/4 to 1 inch thick.
7. Place the pieces on a baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap. Freeze for 15 minutes, or chill for 1 hour in the refrigerator.
8. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
9. Brush scones with cream and sprinkle with course sugar.
10. Bake scones until edges and bottom are golden and they are firm to the touch, about 20 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.
11. Enjoy!

The Giveaway Thing:

Day #4: I'm giving away a Silpat. You know, the wonder baking sheet liner. It's great for making most everything...everything just peels off. And if you aren't a big baker, this is great when making savory things like roasted sweet potato fries. Oh yes Silpat, you are kitchen treasure. The Silpat is "half-sheet" size.

To enter, just leave a comment on this post. If your email isn’t associated with your Blogger account, please be sure to leave your email in the message.
Note: This giveaway is limited to United States mailing addresses.
Deadline: Wednesday, April 20, 2011 at midnight, Pacific Daylight Time
Disclosure: This giveaway and shipping is paid for by me.
*** Updated: Contest is closed. Congrats to Jen (entry #56) ***
Don't forget to enter the Day #1 (Sarabeth Bakery Cookbook) and Day #2 (Crate & Barrel Ramekins) and Day #3 (Everyday Food magazine) giveaways!

And, if you are currently working in a library or in library school...come back tomorrow for a special giveaway just for you. :) Happy National Library Week!