Apricot Scone Recipe

Here is the recipe for the scones that we made today.-Jo

Apricot Scones in a Jar
Online tutorial with photos: http://whimsy-girl.blogspot.com/2008/08/apricot-scone-mix.html

INGREDIENTS:
-2 CUPS all-purpose unbleached flour

-1/2 CUP vanilla sugar** (I just used regular sugar.)

-1/4 CUP nonfat dry milk powder

-2 tsp baking powder

-1 tsp dried lemon/orange peel

-1/4 tsp salt

-1 CUP dried apricots (or blueberries, cranberries, etc.)

DIRECTIONS:
Stir together flour, sugar, milk, baking powder, lemon peel & salt. Layer the dried ingredients & the apricots (or other dried fruit) into one-quart canning jar, tapping gently on counter between layers to settle before adding the next. (I just plopped my dry ingredients on the bottom & the fruit on top.) Stores at room temperature for up to six weeks, or freeze for up to six months.

*You can also add shortening to gift jar by cutting it into dried ingredients before adding to jar. It has a shorter shelf life with the shortening added, though.

** To make vanilla sugar, fill one-quart jar with sugar. Split vanilla bean in half lengthwise & add both halves to sugar. Flavor gets better after a couple of weeks, & it will keep as long as regular sugar.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR GIFT TAG:
Stir together flour, sugar, powdered milk, baking powder, lemon peel & salt.
Cut in 1/3 cup shortening using a pastry cutter or fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add ¼ cup water and one beaten egg
Stir until just moistened. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 12-15 strokes, until nearly smooth ball.
Pat to 1/2'” thickness (circular shape).
Cut into desired shape & place 1" apart on an ungreased baking sheet.
Brush with milk. Bake at 400 degrees F for 12-15 minutes or until golden.
Transfer to a rack to cool slightly & serve warm. Enjoy!

Gearing up for a new year!

Hey everyone! MOPS is starting back up at Creekside on September 11th, at 9:00am in the church sanctuary. The cafe was getting a little crowded, so we decided to try out using the big room for our regular meetings. Childcare rooms remain the same, and you will see the big sanctuary doors open right when you walk into the lobby. You should be getting an email or a phone call from your table leader soon (if you haven't already) to touch bases and so you know who you'll be with this semester. When you come there will be a name tag at your seat so that you can easily find where to settle down and get comfortable.

This year's theme is called "Together on Planet Mom" and it aims to help women reflect and grow in the way that motherhood has changed ALL of their relationships in life. It should be really interesting and insightful (and probably guaranteed to make you both laugh and cry!) to hear about and discuss the topics we have selected for the Fall. Can't wait to see you all soon!
-Carly