As the year comes to an end, many of us make resolutions for the new year. Unfortunately, most of us don’t keep them, and in our day to day business, we most often forget about them. 

I do not make resolutions, but I do set new goals for myself, especially in the kitchen. I will share some of them with you, just in case you’re looking for some ideas for yourself:

Use more fresh herbs. They are so much better than dried ones, and most supermarkets sell them fresh in their produce department all year long.

Make my kitchen workplace a more beautiful one. I love my kitchen, but it can always be better! I know what I’m adding, but you might try to put out your favorite piece of pottery, or buy a nice plant or succulent to add life. Bring in some speakers and cook to music. It just might make you sing or dance a little too!

Nutrition is important. Take the time to read ingredients, and make choices that suit your lifestyle.  What you put into your body is important. 

Share some recipes and look for new ones.  Because of the blog, I’m always on the lookout for new recipes.  It’s a great habit to pick up. If you go to someone’s home and they serve something you love, ask them for the recipe. They will be flattered.  Then pay it forward and give recipes to your friends when they ask.

Encourage your kids to cook. They will be much more likely to eat the food they helped prepare, and will be very proud of the work they do. Messes can be hard to clean up, but the photos will make you laugh years later.

The only ingredient you really need is a four-letter word, LOVE, which I hope the new year brings to you!

These scones will definitely taste like love when you serve them. The buttermilk ensures a soft, moist center. The oats add a nice texture, and the sugars combined with the maple syrup is just the perfect amount of sweetness for these tasty anytime treats. The glaze adds just the right savory and sweet. It’s the perfect topping for these delicious little delicacies.

This recipe is courtesy of Ina Garten (so you know it is truly perfection) and will make 14 scones for people who will love these as a daytime snack over the holidays.

Ingredients for Maple Oatmeal Scones:

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup whole-wheat flour
1 cup quick-cooking oats, plus additional for sprinkling
2 tablespoons baking powder
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 teaspoons salt
1 pound cold unsalted butter, diced
1/2 cup cold buttermilk
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
4 extra-large eggs, lightly beaten
1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon milk or water, for egg wash

For the Glaze:

1 1/4 cups confectioners’ sugar
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the flours, oats, baking powder, sugar, and salt.

Blend the cold butter in at the lowest speed and mix until the butter is in pea-size pieces.

Combine the buttermilk, maple syrup, and eggs and add quickly to the flour-and-butter mixture.

Mix until just blended.  The dough may still be sticky.

Dump the dough out onto a well-floured surface and be sure it is combined.

Flour your hands and a rolling pin and roll the dough 3/4 to 1 inch thick.

You should see lumps of butter in the dough.

Cut into 3-inch rounds with a plain or fluted cutter and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Brush the tops with egg wash. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the tops are crisp and the insides are done.

To make the glaze, combine the confectioners’ sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla.

When the scones are done, cool for 5 minutes, and drizzle each scone with 1 tablespoon of the glaze.

I like to garnish the top with some uncooked oats.

The warmer the scones are when you glaze them, the thinner the glaze will be.

It’s that simple!