Dandelion and Swiss Cheese Spelt Scones
Today's post is written by my friend, Sophie, of Accidental Artisan. I recently served these scones at an event that I hosted and they were a huge hit! People didn't believe me when I told them the secret ingredients ;) - CarlyLast year when the dandelions started poking their heads through my nice, neat gravel path in the garden all I saw was weeds. I drowned them in vinegar, let them wither, dug them out and hoped they wouldn’t come back. Ya right. Dandelions are tough!Sure enough this year they all came back and there were even more! But something had changed. I no longer wanted to pull them out and actually reveled in their bright yellow blossoms breaking up the long, grey Spring days around here. And then I saw it… a bee wandering from blossom to blossom. I had to leave the dandelions there for the bees. There was nothing else blooming yet. What else were they going to survive on?! I still used a few flowers to make these delicious savory scones, but there was plenty for the bees to enjoy by then.Dandelions are not only good for bees though, they are good for us too. Dandelion roots, leaves and flowers have numerous benefits and can be made into all kinds of yummy things including tea, jelly, wine, pesto and of course, dandelion and swiss cheese spelt scones.
Benefits of Dandelions
- They are rich in calcium and antioxidants like Vitamin C and Luteolin which help strengthen and protect bones and reduce free radicals in the body.
- They are a natural diuretic and help eliminate toxic substances from the kidneys and urinary tract.
- They are one of the first foods available to bees in the Spring!
Benefits of Ancient Grains
- Spelt is rich in protein and minerals and contains carbohydrates called “mucopolysaccharides” that are credited with strengthening the body’s immune system.
- Einkorn is also a good source of protein and contains a high amount of “lutein”, a powerful antioxidant.
- Khorasan (also known as Kamut) is rich in nutrients essential for good health including fiber, manganese, magnesium and niacin.
* You can find high quality ancient grains at Anita's Organic Mill, or order it online HERE (Canada) or HERE (US).
My favorite way to enjoy these scones is warm from the oven straight into my mouth. I just can’t wait for them to cool completely.Enjoy!
How to Make Dandelion and Swiss Cheese Spelt Scones
* You can find high quality ancient grains at Anita's Organic Mill, or order it online HERE (Canada) or HERE (US).
- 3 cups all purpose, unbleached organic spelt flour (also called white spelt flour)
- 2 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp organic sugar
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 3/4 cup cold organic butter
- 1 1/4 cup organic buttermilk
- ¼ cup chives, finely chopped
- ¼ cup young dandelion greens, finely chopped
- 4-5 dandelion flowers, petals removed
- 1 cup swiss cheese, shredded
- Freshly ground pepper (optional)
- Buttermilk to brush scones (optional)
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the flour, baking powder, sugar and salt together in a large bowl. Cut the butter into the flour mixture and then mix using a pastry blender or a large fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the chives, dandelion leaves and flowers and shredded swiss cheese.
- Add the buttermilk and gently stir and fold until the dough forms. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and bring the dough together with floured hands. Divide the dough into two and flatten each into a disk about 1-1.5 inches high. Cut each circle into 6 scones.
- Arrange the scones on the baking sheet, brush with buttermilk and sprinkle tops with pepper (optional). Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown on top.
Try More Recipes from the Accidental Artisan! If you liked this recipe you are going to love these:Rhubarb Spelt SconesBlueberry Lemon Spelt SconesButtermilk Spelt Biscuits
Meet Sophie, the Accidental Artisan!
Sophie is a social media consultant by day, baker by night, nature adventurer, yogi and animal lover in between. She has a passion for baking which prompted her to start her food blog, Accidental Artisan, to explore her creativity with ancient grains!Follow Sophie on Facebook & Instagram.