Do you know my dear readers? I will never understand some people's fascination with sporting events. Both participating in such and watching them seems like a totally pointless waste of time to this very disgruntled journalist. I would much prefer to stay at home and work on a good book or some potion experiment than be out in all weathers watching other people getting bashed about and bruised. It is not my idea of a good time at all. Even if the Nightshade clan seem determined to drag me along to their almost constant training sessions and tournaments.
However, this month I must concede to the pressure as now even my darling SOUP editors want me to delve into the frivolous depths of Magical Sports. So you will find me grudgingly tromping along to Momma Fox's front door through the misty streets of Ottery St Catchpole, praying that she has come up with something at least that will ease the hassle of having to take the "picnic" that Tabitha wanted to her next duelling competition. The prospect of such delicious food is likely to be the only reason for attending such an event.
Upon my arrival, I barely had time to knock before the tawny headed witch was ushering me inside and tutting disapprovingly at what she must have seen in my pained expression. "Now, now Child. There's no need to get your knickers in a knot. I've got just the thing to get you through your trip. So there is no reason to be such a sourpuss". Nodding sheepishly, I had to admit that the owl I sent her the day before may have been a little terse as I explained my situation. Taking my seat by the stove, it was obvious I was going to have to apologise.
"I'm sorry Momma Fox. I didn't mean for my message to be quite so grumpy. Please will you tell me what we are going to make? I'm sure it will be something wonderful." The remorseful approach seemed to be the right choice because a moment later, a wide grin spread over the tiny witch's face, "Oh piffle. It's all fine. You just need to look for the pluses, don't you? After all, that young man you like will be there, won't he? He is sure to love the scones we are going to make. So smile and go fetch that paper will you?"
Nodding quickly as my cheeks flamed scarlet, I picked up the prepared parchment and smiled, getting to work quickly to hide my embarrassment. Silently wishing that I hadn't told Momma Fox that certain titbit of information.....
Ingredients:
175g self-raising flour
25g butter
50g cheddar cheese
1egg/packet egg substitute
2 tbsp milk
2 tsp sundried tomato paste
8 sundried tomatoes, roughly chopped
1 tsp dried mixed herbs
Finely grated parmesan for sprinkling on top
Directions:
1. Pre-heat your muggle oven to 200C/390F/Gas Mark 6.
2. Mix the flour and herbs, then rub in the butter until it resembles fine bread crumbs. Add the cheddar cheese, sundried tomato paste and sundried tomatoes and mix gently with a light application of the Permisceto spell.
3. Beat the milk and the egg together in a small glass bowl then add the mixture to the other ingredients to form a soft dough. Reserve a little of the egg mixture for glazing the scones. It is best to use a fork for this instead of a spell to avoid whipping too much.
4. Flatten the dough lightly with a rolling pin and cut out roughly 8-10 circles with a cookie cutter. Put on a tray lined with baking paper or a silicone baking sheet. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle over the parmesan. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the tops are a golden colour.
5. Once cooked, allow to cool and then cut them in half. You may then butter them and add the fillings of your choice. Ham, chicken, pickle and pesto all work well with this recipe.
After a few laughs and a lot of flour escaping my distracted hands, the cheese and tomato scones were ready and I have to say that the smell of them baking had my mouth watering worse than Fang's at the prospect of something tasty. Pulling them out of the oven with careful hands and placing them on a cooling rack, I decided that maybe the trip to Berlin might not be so bad after all. And even if it was and I had to watch Tabitha take down yet another opponent, at least I would have some of the most delicious snacks available close at hand without planning on sharing any of them.
So until next time dear readers, wish me luck and happy baking! - Nikita