Apple chai spiced scones

28 November 2017

Don't you just love a classic tea party with scones & jam? Well this month's gloomy weather inspired me to make a more autumnal version of the British delicacy. A chai latte is one of my favorite drinks on cold days and these scones really capture that warm feeling. I like to add some apple chunks for extra freshness, though they are optional. The chai glaze, however, isn't. (Believe me!)


Now I wouldn't say scones are the easiest bake so I'd save making them for the weekend when you've got time to give them your full attention. The hardest part to this specific recipe is getting the amount of cinnamon just right because if you add too much it will overpower all of the other spices, so it's important to stick to the mentioned ratio. But the most important tip, probably for all scones recipes, is to make sure your butter is cold enough. Some people prefer freezing it but since that's a bit harder to work with I just go with my good old fridge. 

 

 Ingredients

           FOR THE SCONES:
    • 250g flour
    • 50g sugar
    • 1tsp cinnamon  
    • ½ tsp ground cardamom
    • ½ tsp ground cloves
    • ½ tsp ground ginger
    • 60g cold butter
    • 60ml milk
    • 2 eggs
    • 2tsp baking powder
    • 1tsp vanilla powder
    • 1 apple
           FOR THE CHAI GLAZE:
    • 125g powdered sugar
    • 2tsp chai spice blend
    • 3tbsp heavy cream
    • 1tbsp maple syrup
    • 1tsp vanilla extract 

     

 

Step by step

FOR THE SCONES:
  • Preheat the oven to 200 degrees.
  • In a bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, vanilla powder, cinnamon, cardamom cloves and ginger.
  • In a smaller bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together.
  • Cut the butter into small cubes and add them to the flour mixture. Rub the butter into the flour using your hands until it becomes grainy.
  • Cut the apple into small chunks and add them to the mixture. 
  • Add the eggs to the flour mixture and stir through until you get a lump of dough.
  • Put the dough on a floured surface and shape it into a flat disc.
  • Cut the disc into 8 or 10 triangular pieces, depending on how large you want your scones to be. 
  • Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the scones on it.
  • Bake the scones for about 20 minutes until lightly golden brown.

     


FOR THE CHAI GLAZE:
  • In a bowl, mix the powdered sugar, chai spices, heavy cream, maple syrup and vanilla extract and stir until well combined.
  • With a spoon, drizzle the glaze over the freshly bake scones.

     

My guide to Amsterdam

07 November 2017

So it happened, I finally got to cross Amsterdam off my bucket list! It’s been a few weeks since we got back and I’m already missing the buzzing atmosphere and the amazing canal views. Although four days wasn’t nearly enough to cover all of the city’s many interesting addresses, we found some really cute brunch cafes and concept stores I want to share. Read on for my tips for the perfect Amsterdam getaway!


TO EAT

 

Ree 7

Ree 7 is a little breakfast and lunch spot in the center of The Negen Straatjes. We went there before heading to the Anne Frank House and were treated to the flakiest croissants with jam & butter and some delicious cappuccinos. I adored the warm, industrial meets vintage interior.  
REESTRAAT 7 | ree7.nl
 

 

Pluk

Also in the Reestraat you’ll find Pluk. This cozy cafe slash shop has coffee and homemade bakes as well as kitchenware, cute stationary and home accessories to offer. If you visit, definitely try to get your hands on a piece of their lemon-lavender cake, it's absolutely wonderful! 
REESTRAAT 19 | pluk-amsterdam.com

 

Harewood Bakery

Coffee & donuts - need I say more? A year ago Harewood Bakery opened its store in Amsterdam South, specializing in fresh handmade donuts. Their menu changes every season so hurry if you want a taste of their fall creations, including the maple pecan and blueberry jam vanilla flavors.
ALBERT CUYPSTRAAT 62 | harewoodbakery.nl

 

De Laatste Kruimel

De Laatste Kruimel (translates to: The Last Crumb) is one you can’t miss! In this small bakery located near Amsterdam Centraal the cakes are made and baked on the spot. You can take a piece of cake to go or grab a cozy seat in the shop.
LANGEBRUGSTEEG 4 | delaatstekruimel.nl
 

 

Dignita

On our way to Vondelpark, we stopped for a bite at Dignita. This restaurant stands for all-day brunch in a lively atmosphere. The menu ranges from sweet pancakes and crumpets to tasty salad bowls, soups and toasts. Everything is homemade and there are plenty of vegan options.
KONINGINNEWEG 218 | eatwelldogood.nl
 

 

Van Wonderen

Van Wonderen is the place to be for stroopwafels. This sweet Dutch delicacy is made from two thin waffles discs with caramel syrup in the middle. At Van Wonderen you can choose different toppings to add to your stroopwafel, from Oreo chunks to M&M’s and even mini marshmallows. 
KALVERSTRAAT 190 | vanwonderenstroopwafels.nl

 

Foodhallen

Can’t decide what to have for lunch? Then the Foodhallen are your answer! At this indoor food market you can taste an enormous variety of street food from all around the world. Tacos, burgers, dim sum, whichever cuisine you prefer, there’s always something you’ll want to try. De Ballenbar and the Vietnamese stand were my favorites.   
BELLAMYPLEIN 51 | foodhallen.nl
 

 

The Breakfast Club

Honestly the name of this joint had me sold but I was happy to find out The Breakfast Club was more than just a hip sounding place. We went there to grab breakfast on our last day in Amsterdam and I can't really fault any of the things we had. The granola was lovely, the pancakes fluffy & light and the coffee was probably the best we had. Yep, I think this was my overall favorite! 
BELLAMYSTRAAT 2 | thebreakfastclub.nl

TO SHOP

 

Wildernis

Though smaller than what you’d expect from the countless photos on Pinterest/Instagram, this shop is a real plant paradise. Succulents, mini cacti, large plants hanging from the ceiling - this place has everything worthy of the ‘indoor jungle’ hashtag.
BILDERDIJKSTRAAT 165F | wildernisamsterdam.nl
 

 

Indianaweg 10

Hidden away in a quiet street in Amsterdam’s busy De Pijp neighborhood, there’s a little vintage store called Indianaweg 10. Next to handpicked vintage pieces, you can shop a selection of cosmetics but also plants and other home bits. 
EERSTE JAN STEENSTRAAT 81H | indianaweg10.com

 

Things I Like Things I Love

Things I Like Things I Love offers a mix of second-hand and new clothing with a Scandinavian vibe. There’s also a small interior section including tablewear, some beautiful carpets and small gift ideas. 
CEINTUURBAAN 69 | thingsilikethingsilove.com

TO DO

 

Anne Frank Huis

As many movies or documentaries you may have seen covering Anne Frank's story, nothing really compares to actually standing in her room and seeing the circumstances in which she and her family had to live during the war. You can see the posters she hung up to make the place a bit more cheerful and read some powerful quotes from her diary written on the walls. It all left me with a lump in my throat but however sad, I think this historical monument is something everyone should see. If you want to visit, definitely buy your tickets beforehand because otherwise you could be waiting in line for hours.
PRINSENGRACHT 263-267 | annefrank.org

 

Vondelpark

Especially if you're visiting the 'dam in the fall, a stroll through Vondelpark is a must. It makes for a wonderful escape from the busy city and you can perfectly combine it with a visit to the Van Gogh Museum or the Rijksmuseum, which are both nearby.
STADHOUDERSKADE-AMSTELVEENSEWEG 

 

Rijksmuseum

The previously mentioned Rijksmuseum is one of Amsterdam’s most popular tourist attractions so a visit is kind of obligatory if you’re in the city for the first time. The museum covers Dutch art from the Middle Ages until the 21st century and it has a beautiful Game of Thrones style library hidden inside. The entire building is huge so you should count on spending at least 4 hours there.
MUSEUMSTRAAT 1 | rijksmuseum.nl