Becoming Julia pt. 2 + Cinnamon Sugar Scones

A few years ago, I hit the “estate sale jackpot” when I came across an estate sale at the home of a former Home Economics instructor, cookbook author & culinary whiz – Mrs. Sullivan. The moment I walked into the living room, I was greeted with packed cases upon cases, floor to ceiling — bookcases that is. Among the many topics collected (including war history, world history, gardening, literature – both American and European & Bible history) was a wonderful, extensive collection of cookbooks.

It was too much for me to take in and my heart appropriately responded by racing. I walked through the living room into the kitchen, where my heart raced even faster. The collection of kitchenwares was very, very nice and clearly purposeful. Through all of the goodies, a little vintage stainless steel pepper mill caught my eye from across the way and I quickly determined it would be mine. I carefully, discreetly wedged my way through the masses and stretched my arm out beyond the All-Clad that was getting the majority of the attention. In one swift, purposeful motion that pepper mill became mine.

As I grabbed ahold, I noticed the ever-so-slight accumulation of grime in the crevasses of the crank-style handle. My mind’s eye immediately began watching a neatly dressed, thin framed wisp of a lady delightedly taste testing & seasoning Fish en Croûte or bouillabaisse or even a simple pimento cheese spread. After that taste she reached over, just as I had done, and grabbed ahold of the little stainless steel pepper mill. She gave the handle a few cranks and with that, her dish was seasoned to perfection and dinner was ready.

In a flash, I was jolted back into the crowded kitchen full of estate sale patrons. I determinedly worked my way back to the bookcases in the living room – to the section in the corner, filled solely with cookbooks. I had her pepper mill and I needed her recipes. It was in those hustling moments that I first laid my hands on ‘Baking with Julia’.

I opened it and to my satisfaction, I spotted page after page of microscopically neat handwritten notes. I found several additional cookbooks and a few kitchenwares that still rank among my all-time favorite estate sale treasures. The pepper mill, cookbooks and bowls neatly filled nooks and shelves in my kitchen and soon they became part of my home.

Every time I reach for that pepper mill, I think of her — hoping my food would taste good to her. But that cookbook, the Baking with Julia note-filled treasure… it remained on the shelf, so perfectly placed that it almost disappeared, until recently.

In hopes of finding the perfect biscuit recipe, I took Julia off the shelf and started reading. You can read all about my experience with Julia’s biscuit recipe HERE.

After such a successful biscuit experience – I quickly set my sights on Julia’s scones. I have made scones a few times and wow, the less you handle that sticky mess the better. Even with a light hand, the scones have come out dry, heavy and lacking flavor.

I won’t leave you in suspense – Julia Child’s Buttermilk Scones — were AH-mazing! Light, fluffy, buttery — so moist that they were almost creamy. In addition to the perfect texture & flavor, Julia’s recipe makes one dozen scones. Such little time & effort for such a great yield.

Thanks to Julia’s detailed, conversational instructions, the scone dough came together in a flash. This recipe called for butter (as opposed to shortening) and the buttery flavor came through so nicely. Julia’s scones also call for a tablespoon of orange or lemon zest. I was tempted to follow her recipe exactly, but had plans for something a little different.

I had snickerdoodle scones on my mind, so I added cinnamon chips, ground cinnamon & topped them off with melted butter and a sprinkling of cinnamon sugar. A simple twist to this rockstar recipe — so, so very tasty. You could just as easily add chocolate chips, nuts, chopped bits of dried fruit, fresh berries — or even take a savory turn using herbs and sharp cheddar!