Henan-style Cheese Scone

Ingredients

In this adaptation, we infuse the traditional British cheese scone with the distinct flavors of Henan cuisine. We incorporate Henan spices such as star anise, Sichuan peppercorns, and ginger to add a unique twist to the scone. Additionally, we use local Henan cheese, which has a slightly stronger flavor compared to the traditional British cheese, giving the scone an extra depth of taste. We alse have the original recipe for Cheese Scone, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground star anise 1/2 teaspoon ground star anise
• 1/4 teaspoon ground Sichuan peppercorns 1/4 teaspoon ground Sichuan peppercorns
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 cup (60g) cold unsalted butter, cubed 1/4 cup (60g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 cup (100g) grated Henan cheese 1 cup (100g) grated Henan cheese
• 1/2 cup (120ml) milk 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for topping 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for topping

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 280 kcal / 1172 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 14g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 29g, 1g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.6g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, star anise, Sichuan peppercorns, and ginger.
3. 3.
   Add the cold butter to the dry ingredients and use your fingertips to rub it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. 4.
   Stir in the grated Henan cheese.
5. 5.
   Gradually add the milk, mixing until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
6. 6.
   Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times to bring it together.
7. 7.
   Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 2cm (3/4 inch) and use a round cutter to cut out scones.
8. 8.
   Place the scones onto the prepared baking sheet, brush the tops with a little milk, and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
9. 9.
   Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and cooked through.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Henan cheese — If Henan cheese is not available, you can substitute it with a sharp cheddar or any other flavorful cheese of your choice.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of spice, you can add a pinch of chili powder to the dough.
• Serve the scones warm with a dollop of butter or cream cheese for an indulgent treat.
• Experiment with different types of cheese to create your own unique flavor combinations.
• These scones are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• To reheat the scones, simply place them in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for a few minutes until warmed through.

Serving advice

Serve the Henan-style Cheese Scones as a delightful snack or as part of a brunch spread. They pair perfectly with a cup of hot tea or as an accompaniment to a bowl of soup.

Presentation advice

Arrange the scones on a serving platter, allowing their golden crusts to shine. Sprinkle some additional sesame seeds on top for an extra touch of visual appeal. Serve them warm to showcase their fluffy texture.