Mother’s Day Brunch with Orange Cranberry Scones

 ~Classic Rotisserie Chicken Salad √ 

~Cucumber and Chive Tea Sandwiches √ 

 ~Orange Cranberry Scones  √

~Salmon and Dill Bruschetta 

~Lemon and Cream Trifle 

~Applewood Smoked Ham and Havarti Ciabatta

Continuing our Series on Teatime at Home: Simple Elegance, the feature this week are Orange Cranberry Scones for this very special Mother’s Day to honor those that have cared for us, guiding and nurturing us at our very best, and our worst. Through thick and thin, for every season in our lives. It’s beyond cards and flowers, or words, it’s about memory and gratitude and abiding love.

In the United States, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in May, where we get together, share a meal and foist flowers, candy and gifts on one of our nearest and dearest. The rest of the world does this as well, in one way or another, depending on the culture, it may be festivals, gifts or a religious ceremony No matter what you do, motherhood in whatever fashion, be it raising, fostering, tending and caring for is universal warmth the world over.  

We have celebrated Mother’s Day in so many ways over the years-a surprise visit from the kids, playing hide and seek in the park, eating at four-star restaurants, eating sloppy joes and tater tots (don’t tell-one of my faves), drinking wine in Carmel, planting tomatoes and squash, sleeping in-till noon! The most memorable ones have been leisurely days reading the latest mystery or spy novel, serving a new recipe to my family, and having them rave, even if it wasn’t rave worthy, tea under the breezeway or palapa, writing, and naps, naps, naps! Brunch with prosecco and cake, way high up there. Whether simple or elaborate, it’s friends and family visiting without rushing, laughing, remembering and storytelling that make the most touching and special day. It does not have to be elaborate or expensive to be a time you’ll never forget.

My mother is gone now, and I miss her still; always will. I would give anything to see her smile, visit and laugh over the antics of our children, cook our favorite dishes, pick her hydrangeas from her yard that grew in profusion around her front steps, hear her tell a story, tell us kids about some scientific discovery that was just breaking on the news, read a note from her, just for me. My mother was something very special, she and my dad adopted five children, even though they weren’t young, plucking me and my brother out of The Galveston Orphanage, where we’d spent more than two years. She taught us kids about being honest, about kindness, about always doing the right thing, about love. Most of our biggest events were cooking together and dinner with the family. She and my dad were my biggest fans, and I was theirs.

This year’s brunch was very low-keyed and filled with care, something my Mom would have adored. Fresh fruit, a spot of tea, inviting us to slow sip and visit, and chilled Topo Chico, adding refreshing bubbly to our little soiree.

Savory dishes, like buttered and toasted Hawaiian Rolls filled with warm ham and melted cheese, alongside Salmon Crostini, (next week’s blog recipe!), a Charcuterie tray, Havarti cheese, and Seafood Salad, which were balanced with the sweetness of golden and warm Orange Cranberry Scones, fresh from the oven. There was a plate of Pinwheel Chocolate cookies, Chocolate Chip cookies, and a touch of Hershey’s chocolate that made me and the kids happy, happy! Hey, give me Godiva chocolates or a Hershey bar, and I’d choose a Hershey’s bar, hands down.

My favorite rose place mats lined the table and a wonderful vase of Peggy Martin flowers from our arbor in the yard that adorned the centerpiece. It was simple and lovely. Peggy Martin climbing roses represent a symbol of hope, recovery and resilience because the rose survived Hurricane Katrina and was discovered in a Louisiana Parish by Peggy Martin, a local gardener who found it submerged under saltwater for weeks. Our Peggy Martin centers our yard and is stunning, providing us with much joy.

When all was said and done, we went for Hibachi and Sushi later that night, digging in again! What makes Mother’s Day isn’t just the setting but our feelings as we gather, the laughter, and our celebration that is simple and heartfelt. Familiar flavors bring us together every year, certain to make us linger and stay a while.

Our recipe this week is Orange Cranberry Scones. We used a couple different brands of boxed scones (hey, don’t judge!), and just basically followed the recipe on the box, adding ½ cup dried cranberries, 1 tablespoon more butter, and once they are done and cooling, mixing confectioner’s sugar with orange juice, orange zest, and drizzling it over the scones. They were delicious and made my day. Hope you try them, and they make yours. Happy Mother’s Day and continued blessings to you and your family.

Orange Cranberry Scones 

For Mother’s Day Brunch

(This recipe from Stonewall Kitchen Mix)

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 12–15 minutes

Serves: 6–8

Description: These little beauties are deceptively good! They are quite savory, and I wanted more whole fruit and a touch of orange zest, which was delightful. They are lovely with tea, great with coffee, and sure to please a crowd. Do use caution, scone bandits will rob you silly when your head is turned! 

Ingredients (Scones):

- 1 box Orange Cranberry Scone Mix

- 10 tablespoons cold butter (increased for richness, cubed)

- 1/2 cup dried cranberries

- 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest

- Milk or egg as directed on box

Ingredients (Orange Glaze):

- 1 cup powdered sugar

- 2–3 tablespoons fresh orange juice

- 1/2 teaspoon orange zest

Accompaniments:

- Clotted cream

- Softened butter

- Orange preserves 

Directions:

1. Preheat oven according to package directions (about 400°F).

2. In a bowl, combine scone mix, cranberries, and orange zest.

3. Cut in the 10 tablespoons of cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

4. Add liquid ingredients as directed on the box and mix gently.

5. Turn dough onto floured surface, shape into a round, and cut into wedges.

6. Place on baking sheet and bake 12–14 minutes until golden.

7. Whisk glaze ingredients until smooth and drizzle over slightly cooled scones.

8. Serve warm with clotted cream, butter or preserves.