Okay, this is a weird one in several ways – weird scone, weird circumstance … just weird! The other day we were visiting Doune and on the way we popped into the Smiddy to get some stuff in the farm shop. Short on time, we didn’t bother with the café and anyway we had reviewed their scones previously. When I asked Pat when she thought that was she thought that it must have been last year sometime.
No, it was 2016 when we last reviewed a scone at the Smiddy … unbelievable how time passes when you are enjoying yourself! Anyway, as we approached the checkout we spotted this packet (title picture) of banana and chocolate scones. What? As ever, of course, we are willing to risk life and limb in order to further our reader’s sconological knowledge, so into the basket they went.
Pre packed
Scones in packets are usually to be avoided. We don’t think of ourselves as scone snobs but, having said that, there are limits. However, we hadn’t ever come across this particular combination of ingredients before so obviously, they could not be allowed to escape our customary rigorous testing. It would have to be done at home, however, hence the “Not the Smiddy” title.
The big test took place the following day while watching the tragic events unfold in Ukraine. Pat whipped up some cream and served them with some of her own plum jam. Dilemma, what do you serve with chocolate and banana scones? They looked deceptively like fruit scones but what appeared to be fruit was in fact chocolate chips. We like a bit of crunch to our scones but these ones were very soft all over but not unpleasant. We won’t be rushing back to buy more but overall they were surprisingly nice. All we can suggest is that, if you ever come across chocolate and banana scones yourselves, don’t be frightened! And the plum jam went fine!
The government
Today the government announced a new approach to the UK’s energy problems. North Sea oil is going to be fully developed to alleviate the economic crisis. Could this be the same North Sea oil that, according to the same government in the 2014 Scottish Independence Referendum was at an end, only a dribble left? They’ve also hiked up National Insurance contributions for all employers and employees to help pay for the NHS. Could this be the same NHS that was supposed to benefit to the tune of £350 million per week as a result of Brexit? At the same time Rishi Sunak’s wife has registered for non-dom status to escape taxes.
The plight of the people in Ukraine is heart rending. We’ve volunteered to take refugees but due to the government’s opaque immigration system our chances of getting any are slim to say the least. Could it be that our UK government is devious, dishonest, sleazy, self-serving and incompetent? Perish the thought! Remember, these days everything is Putin’s fault! However, he’ll be relieved to hear that we’re not blaming him for banana and chocolate scones.
Great entertainment as usual. I’m dread watching the news, as the “Butcher of Syria ” is now Commander. It’s heart breaking and disastrous. Putin gets away with murder, what about Syria war crimes, and no one did anything to bring him to justice. He’s a ticking time bomb, and he knows he’s in the Hotseat. An absolute NIGHTMARE.,
We are all so lucky, that our lives go on as normal, what a luxury. I’m so happy your posts lighten the day.
Thanks Sue, means a lot
Thank you for your usual illuminating insight into Scone World.
A great read and worthy critique.
Pity you couldn’t make a real life (cafe served scone) on this occasion as I have heard the accompanying coffee choice is to die for!
Yes, Brian we can vouch for that, fantastic coffee ate the Smiddy
Chocolate and banana are not a combination I would normally try but they weren’t that bad at all. Don’t think I’ll bother trying again though. Besides the scones I like to take home some gorgeous milk from the Isle of Gigha, Mmmmmmm lovely on my cereal. Haven’t seen it on sale anywhere else, except Gigha of course.