My husband brought home some blueberry scones, and I had an inquiring mind-want-to-know moment. Scones are a staple treat around the world, especially in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
So, what about this foreign-sounding treat that has become a beloved American pastry?
The first time I heard the word “scone,” I really didn’t know what it was. Judging by its name, it didn’t sound appetizing at all. I realize other treats, including bear claws, may not sound any better as edible foods, but not as foreign as scones.
How did these scones come about?
Some believe the word scone is derived from the Scottish Gaelic word ‘sgon,’ which means a ‘flat round cake.’ The early Scottish scones may have fit this description. Others say the scone originates from the Old Norse word ‘skon, which also means flat, round bread as opposed to cake.
Scone, spelled ‘scon’ or ‘skon’, may date back to the 15th century. The current spelling, scone, speaks to the evolution of the word. As with the spelling of the treat, scones evolved from a farmer’s food to a beloved delight of the upper class.
Today, scones are not necessarily round; some bakers cut them into wedges, triangles, and other shapes.
I remember trying an odd-shaped scone in a coffee shop after someone told me they were good. Thank goodness the scone tasted better than the sound of its name.
Although scones have been enjoyed for centuries, the court is still out on whether we should thank Britain or Scotland for them. Some references credit Britain; others credit Scotland for the treat. Both countries played a part in the creation, evolution, and popularity of the quick bread.
What is quick bread?
The Oxford Dictionary defines quick breads as “a food made of flour, water, and a leavening agent such as yeast mixed together and baked.”
Many say scones are similar to or cousins of biscuits, another quick bread, because of their ingredients. The shared ingredients of scones and biscuits include flour, butter, liquid, and baking powder, or some other leavening agent.
In America, biscuits, especially breakfast biscuits, aren’t normally sweet like scones, which are eaten with tea or coffee.
As it is in different countries, some foods may have different names. Britons call biscuits cookies.
Ordering a bacon, egg, and cheese cookie at your favorite McDonald’s is a no-go in America. Britons’ cookies may be biscuits, but American cookies are not!
If I want a sweet treat, I will buy a cookie, not a biscuit. Eggs are another ingredient British bakers may add to make scones that we don’t use in making biscuits.
The fillings for American-made scones include dried and fresh fruit, cheese, nuts, and other delicious fillers. Americans have a palate for all kinds of mix-ins for scones, contrary to the Britons or Irish. Such lavish fillings or accompaniments are not routine for them. Instead of fillers, their scones are served with clotted cream, jam, or other toppings.
Scones are a favorite at weddings, tea parties, and other social gatherings, and a symbol of hospitality and a tradition of community in Ireland and parts of the United Kingdom.
A scone tastes much better than the sound of its name.
I hope you are happy and well.