I was in Utah a little over a week ago and had the opportunity to get together with one of my blogging friends, Maria (who I met last summer and then again at BlogHer Food). We scheduled a morning to hang out and cook together.
During our drive to Utah, Maria and I chatted back and forth through twitter about our menu. I was practically drooling with anticipation after our 10 hour car ride. We made Baked Fritatta with Artichokes, Sun Dried Tomatoes, and Feta (which you can find over at Maria’s blog), Pear Almond Scones with Honey Almond Glaze, and had a granola parfait bar. For drinks we had orange juice and grapefruit water. All you do is slice up wedges of grapefruit, like you would do with lemons, and add them to a pitcher of ice cold water.
The brunch was a huge hit with my family and a great way to celebrate delicious food and great friendships. Maria was such a thoughtful person and made me go sit and talk with my family while she cleaned up the mess. I hope Maria and I have the opportunity to get together for some fun in the kitchen again soon.
For the Baked Frittata with Artichokes, Sundried Tomatoes and Feta recipe see Maria’s blog.
Pear Almond Scones
adapted from Strawberry Mascarpone Scones

- 4 cups flour
- 4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup butter, sliced
- 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 2/3 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 3/4 cup fresh pear, peeled and diced
Honey Almond Glaze:
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/8 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- milk, to reach desired consistency
Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a large mixing bowl. Mix well and set aside. In a medium sized bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, almond extract and honey. Using two knives or a pastry cutter, cut the mascarpone cheese and butter into the flour mixture until you have coarse crumbs.
Make a well in the center of the flour mixture. Pour in the egg mixture and the pear. Gently stir until the dough forms together. Knead on a floured surface a few times – be gentle so you don’t squish the pears too much. Divide dough into two equal portions. Flatten into 8 inch rounds and transfer to a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Score each round into 8 equal triangles.
Bake at 375 degrees F on a parchment paper lined sheet for 20-30 minutes. In the meantime, combine powdered sugar, honey, and almond extract for the glaze. Set aside until scones have cooled. Cut each round into eights. Cool on a wired rack. When cooled completely, drizzle with glaze and sprinkle with sliced almonds.
S. Davis
Wednesday 2nd of January 2013
A little confused - not enough liquid to make the glaze with ingredients listed. Did anyone else have this trouble?
Katie
Saturday 5th of January 2013
if it is too thick, try adding a little milk until you reach the consistency you desire.
Stacey
Friday 10th of February 2012
Amazing recipe - smells delicious even as you make them!
The Short (dis)Order Cook
Tuesday 26th of January 2010
Saw this recipe linked on Maria's blog and I had to come over and say hi and check out the recipe. These look scrumptious. I love scones of any type.
Amy @ Cheerful Cookery
Tuesday 26th of January 2010
The glaze. The glaze is enough for me - looks so delicious, and I love a sweeter scone, so the pear would be perfect. They look so light, too - delicious!
Patsyk
Tuesday 26th of January 2010
What a fun way to spend time with another foodie friend! Those scones look incredible!