I think I must have spent my childhood living under a rock because it was not until I became an adult that I ever heard of S'Mores.  

Popular at campfires, you toast marshmallows and then sandwich them between two graham crackers along with a square of chocolate.  

The heat from the marshmallows melts the chocolates.  Very gooey and very scrumptious. 

 

Twice a year our church (The Church of Jesus Christ) has what is called a General Conference, which is an opportunity for us to gather together and listen to our leaders speak.  

I always enjoy Conference weekend.  There are two (two hour) sessions on each the Saturday and the Sunday, and on the Saturday the break in between is usually marked by enjoying some kind of scrumptious snack or treat that marks this day as special.

 

In Utah that might mean that they go for Ice Cream.  I have heard some of our leaders refer to that on occasion.  

Here in the UK, we watch it from our own home.  Normally we will have people invited over to watch it with us and we will enjoy some good food.

 

Generally speaking, for me  . . .  this means finger foods.  Pizza, sandwiches, etc.  cake.

 

This year I decided to make us some Chocolate Chip S'More Scones,  inspired by a recipe I saw on Sugar and Charm.

 

She used a baking mix to make hers.  I didn't want to do that, so I used my favourite rock cake dough  . . . which is much,  much nicer. 

 

Two kinds of flours (plain and self raising) are sifted together, along with some salt and baking powder . . .  and then butter is rubbed into them with your fingertips.

 

Sugar is stirred in after that and then a mix of milk, vanilla and beaten egg, to give you a droppable consistency of dough.

 

And then finally some milk chocolate chips.  You can vary the amount depending on how many you want in your scones.  

I used the full amount.  Just make sure you use good quality ones. 

 

Drop the dough onto paper lined baking sheets, leaving plenty of space in between, and then (its up to you) you can brush the tops with an egg wash.  

I chose not to today.  If you do that, you might want to scatter a bit of demerara (Turbinado) sugar on top as well.  But again it's up to you.

 

They are baked in a moderately hot oven until risen and golden brown and then scooped onto a rack to cool just until you can comfortably handle them.

 

Carefully split and then fill with marshmallows . . .

 

And returned to the oven just until the marshmallow melts and gets all ooey gooey . . .  scrumdiddlyumptious! 

  

Now that's what I call a Conference weekend worthy treat!  Well, worthy of baking and eating any time really!  Woo hoo!  Moreish!

 

Our marshmallows over here in the UK are always a mix of pink and white.  I am not sure why that is.  You only ever very rarely see completely white ones, and then they are called American marshmallows.

 

It doesn't really matter, these taste good no matter what.  The kids are really going to enjoy them!  Happy Weekend! 

 

 

What if I told you, you could make a delicious, light, flaky savoury scone using only three ingredients?  Its true! You can and these lovely scones are just that!  

I almost couldn't believe it when I read the recipe.  Three ingredients?  How could that be?  What would they turn out like?   I just had to try them out first hand. Three Ingredient Cheese Scones.

 

I was very pleasantly surprised.  I did not expect such positive results.  These were light, flaky and savoury.  Chock full of cheese.

 

Light, flaky and savoury scones that really do use only three ingredients.  Not only that, but they go together in a flash! What more could a person ask for!

 

These literally go together in about five minutes.  Seriously!  I kid you not!

 

You can put these together in about 5 minutes, pop them into the oven, bake and be enjoying them in less than half an hour. I was literally amazed at the speed and ease of preparation!

 

All you need is self-raising flour (self-rising), grated cheddar cheese and plain yogurt.  That's it! Three simple ingredients.

Three ingredients I always, always have in my refrigerator. Refrigerator basics and of course the flour. I always keep a variety of flours on hand.  Plain, self-raising, whole wheat, whole wheat self-raising, and a variety of bread flours. 

 

Did you know that you can keep your flour in the freezer?  In fact when it comes to whole grain or specialty flours that you may only use occasionally, it is the best way to keep them without them gong to waste.  

 

Simply pop the flour into a sealed container and then put it into the freezer. It will keep for ages and ages.  Just measure it out for any recipe you need it for and bring it to room temperature prior to using. Its that simple.

 

You can easily make your own self raising flour.  Simply add 1 1/2 tsp of baking powder and 1/4 tsp salt  for every 140g/1 cup of plain flour.  Easy peasy!  

Putting these scones together is a real doddle. You measure the cheese and the flour together into a bowl and then stir with a fork to combine. Once you have done that, you then stir in the yogurt to make a soft dough.  Pat the  out to a rectangle . . .  cut . . .  then bake.

 

I love that you simply cut the dough into rectangles rather than stamping them out with a round cutter. No waste and no rerolling of scraps.

 

That means that they all turn out perfect.  Re-rolled/patted scones can sometimes come out a bit wonky and they won't rise quite as much.  They will also be not quite as tender.

 

These rise really nice and tall  . . .  and are so flaky. Use a sharp knife to cut them into the rectangles.

 

I like to use a nice strong cheddar for plenty of flavour when I am baking. The stronger the cheese the more flavour.   You also  have the option of sprinkling more cheese  on top  prior to baking for a lovely finish. I say why not!  More cheese please!!

 

These are lovely just served  plain and on their own.  They are excellent split and spread with softened butter.

 

And why not.  A bit of butter elevates the taste of anything in my opinion. Well, all things savoury at any rate!

 

Look at that lovely texture of these.  Isn't it beautiful?  I think they are just perfect! 

 

These are wonderful served for breakfast with butter, and yes, even jam.  Cheese and jam go really well together.  

They are wonderful served with salads also for a nice light lunch.

  

They are also pretty wonderful served with soups or, or stews for dinner.  

 

These are quitet lovely no matter what or when you serve them.  I can almost guarantee that they are sure to always be well received!

 

I found the original recipe written on a scrap of paper.  I suspect I had copied it out from a magazine at the Dentists or Doctor once upon a time.  I adapted it to use both Metric and American measurements.  You're welcome

 

Marmite  . . .  it is a love it or loathe it type of thing.  My husband enjoys it just spread on buttered bread.  Myself, I have never quite warmed up to the idea of simply spreading it on bread, although I do quite enjoy it cooked into things.  I used to add it to stews and things when I lived in Canada, and I also do that here.   

Spaghetti with Marmite is one of my favourite things to eat, and at Christmas I enjoy Twiglets, which are like marmite flavoured wheat sticks.  Having said that, however . . .  if my husband has been eating Marmite on bread he is not allowed to kiss me.  I can't just can't do it  . . . 

 

As you all know, February is the month of celebrating Love and Lovers and a time when many of us like to gift the special person in our life with something really unique and special.  

 

Marmite, one of Britain's most iconic condiment has had a makeover this year just for this purpose.  Renowned for dividing the country between lovers and haters, the famous marmite jar is available for lovers this year with a very unique and special twist, created for specifically for lovers by the Engraver's Guild of London.

 

 

Isn't it beautiful? This solid silver lid showcases a unique Valentine's design that has been engraved using special Diamond Tip Cutters.  

 

Showcased in the centre of the lid is your marmite lover's name, along with  a baby cupid shooting a cloud of floating hearts, whilst around the edge is a simple statement which says  . . .  "I Love you even more than marmite!" 

 

This reusable Marmite lid is solid 925 sterling silver and made in England, featuring the hallmark of the Birmingham Assay Office. Available from Engravers Guild of London, the personalised gifts retailer, the lids are £79 and can be previewed with your lover’s name online. Elliot Bishton, the founder of Engravers Guild of London, said: “Marmite is famous the world-over for inspiring strong emotions and we thought it would make the perfect expression of love this Valentine’s Day. The silver Marmite lid is a truly unique piece and will be treasured for very many years.” 

The Valentine’s Marmite Lid can be viewed and purchased here: https://www.engraversguild.co.uk/silver-marmite-lid-engraved/valentines-silver-marmite-lid-250g/ 

Each silver lid comes complete with the 250g jar of Marmite.  If I had been thinking, I would have had Todd's name engraved on the lid, however no matter . . .  he will just have to ask me for access to its contents!!  😁

 

As I said, the way that I enjoy marmite most is in cooked and baked things.  To me that is where it's unique flavour really shines. 

 

Hello Cheese & Marmite Scones!  YUM!

 

These are a savoury scone as opposed to a sweet scone, and are perfectly at home alone as is, or served along side a delicious soup or salad. 

 

They are created using a combination of plain self raising flour and whole meal/whole wheat flour, which to me means they are a tad bit healthier than the norm.  Added fibre is a good thing.

 

Just look at the lovely rise of these scones, and that beautiful texture . . . 

 

In addition to some Marmite for flavouring there the flavour of strong cheddar cheese, both in the dough for the scones themselves, and then sprinkled on top prior to baking  . . . 

  

I served them warm and spread with butter, along with some Branston's pickle and more cheese  . . .

 

Cold meats would also be lovely . . .  think ham, or smoked turkey  . . .

 

Smoked salmon would also be nice with these.  They would be great taken on picnics or in lunch boxes.

 

They would be excellent alongside a hot bowl of soup . . .  mmmm  . . . tomato immediately springs to mind!  That would be so delicious!

  

No matter how you choose to enjoy them, I can make you this promise  . . .  you WILL enjoy them!  I am certain of that! 

 

Many thanks to the Engravers Guild for sending me this beautiful and unique gift.  It is truly lovely.  I do think it would make a beautiful gift for the marmite lover in your life this Valentines day! 

  

Note - although I was sent this silver lid free of charge I was not required to write a positive review.  Any and all opinions are entirely my own.