51. Lemon Balm Scones are Medicine for the Baker

Baking and herbs both calm my heart and mind. In today's episode, I am back in my kitchen baking scones with lemon balm infused heavy cream blended into the batter. Lemon balm is a delight to grow and the fresh leaves offer a beautiful perfumey aroma that can uplift a heavy heart and offer a peaceful moment. In the kitchen, it's medicine for the baker.  Lemon Balm Scones (if lemon balm balm is not something you have, give these a try using basil or thyme in its place) For lemon balm infused cream: approx ¾ cup (12g) fresh lemon balm leaves or ¼ cup dried lemon balm 1 cup plus ⅛ cup heavy cream In a medium saucepan, bring cream to scald over medium high heat, don't boil, just heat until small bubbles form at edges of pan and cream begins to steam. Add chopped lemon balm leaves, stir to submerge. Remove from heat, cover with lid and steep for 25 minutes. Pour cream and lemon balm leaves into a blender and pulse to blend. Strain, reserving cream and measure 1 cup or 250g. Set aside for batter. Discard lemon balm leaves.  Ingredients: 4 cups (500g) bread flour 2 tbsp (25g) baking powder 6 tbsp (80g) unsalted butter, cut to cubes, chilled 2 large eggs ⅓ cup (80g) granulated sugar 2 tsp lemon zest 1 cup (250g) lemon balm infused heavy cream Egg wash: 1 large egg beat with a pinch of salt Instructions: Sift together flour and baking powder into a large mixing bowl.  Using a pastry blender or hands, blend in chilled butter until mixture resembles fine bread crumbs.  In a separate medium sized bowl, mix wet ingredients with sugar. Whisk eggs, add sugar and lemon zest, whisk. Add lemon balm infused heavy cream and whisk to blend Pour wet ingredients into flour and butter mixture and gently stir together until begins to form a ball of dough. L Let rest for 5 minutes. Turn out onto a floured surface, knead gently until smooth. Press to flatten with a floured rolling pin and roll to a 1 inch high disc.  Cut scones with a 2 inch round biscuit or cookie cutter, press down and lift, do not twist. Place on parchment lined baking sheet. Refrigerate scones for at least 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 425F.  Brush tops and sides of scones liberally with egg wash. Sprinkle with a bit of granulated sugar. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Cool on wire racks. Enjoy! Mentions:  HerbRally Podcast HealHaus Yoga Studio & Wellness Center ---Deepest gratitude to Andrea Klunder, my podcast boss.  Find her at thecreativeimposter.com.  Original music by Dylan Rice Please send me your comments, requests, or feedback.  Send me a message, voice or write an email, my email is [email protected]. I look forward to hearing from you! To get herb inspired recipes, plant profiles and read more about herbal medicine, visit my website at: theherbalbakeshoppe.com Join me on Patreon Connect with me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter If you enjoyed this episode, please follow or subscribe where ever you like to listen to podcasts! And if you have time, kindly share with your friends and family.  ABOUT DINA Dina Ranade is a Registered Herbalist with the American Herbalist Guild and a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist. She is also a mom of three humans - two daughters and one son all now living their young adult lives - and one sweet Pomeranian named Maci.