Savory Scones & Biscuits

From Gemini Cafe & Bakery

Scone & Biscuit Base Recipe

Makes one large batch of scones or biscuits

Mixing & Baking:

1. Preheat oven to 425°, line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper

2. Choose a variation and toss ingredients with dry mix:

VARIATION #1: Carrot Za’atar:

• 1 recipe Za’atar roasted carrots

• 1 cup Crumbled feta cheese

• 1/4 cup Minced fresh dill

VARIATION #2: Bacon Jalapeno Cheddar

• 1 cup Crumbled crisp bacon pieces

• 1/2 cup Minced Jalapeno peppers

• 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese

3. A little at a time, pour in:

• 1-1/2 cups Buttermilk (or less, see below)

1. In a large bowl, mix these dry ingredients thoroughly:

• 2 cups Maine Grains sifted 86% wheat flour (or sift whole wheat flour to remove bran)

• 2 cups Unbleached white flour

• 1/4 cup Brown sugar

• 1 tsp Baking soda

• 1 Tbsp Baking powder

• 1 1/2 tsp Salt

2. Using a large-holed cheese grater, grate into dry mix and toss thoroughly to mix:

• 2 -1/2 sticks Unsalted butter - cold, right out of the fridge

3. At this point, you can refrigerate the buttered dry mix until you’re ready to mix with the flavor ingredients and buttermilk.

Folding mixture over gently with a large rubber scraper, incorporate the buttermilk in about 3-4 additions being careful to not overwork the dough. We want it to be JUST moistened and JUST holding together in a cohesive mass. You may need less buttermilk to achieve this.

4. Dump mixture onto a floured surface and form (with floured hands) into a rectangle, about a couple inches thick and about 12 inches wide.

5. Using a knife, divide the dough into 16 equal pieces. Place on parchment lined baking sheets a few inches apart

6. Bake in your preheated oven for about 20-25 min, or until the top is firm to the touch when pressed with your finger and the edges and bottoms are slightly browned.

Za’atar Spice Blend

Za’atar - a middle eastern spice blend with LOTS of flavor and pizazz! Just mix these ingredients in a jar and keep around for inspired culinary moments. Amazing on eggs, hummus, and anything needing a pop of flavor.

• 2 Tbsp Cumin - toasted & ground

• 2 Tbsp Coriander - toasted & ground

• 2 Tbsp Thyme or Oregano

• 2 Tbsp Sumac

• 2 Tbsp Sesame seeds

• 1 tsp Kosher salt

Za’atar Roasted Carrots

Mix carrots with oil and spices, roast in a 375° oven until browned and fork tender, about 15 - 20 minutes. Cool before mixing with the dry scone mix.

• 3 cups Carrots, chopped small

• 2 Tbsp Olive oil

• 2 Tbsp Za’atar spice blend

Bakery Dreamin’

Two years ago, when the Gemini Bakery stopped being a notion and became an intention Bethel area residents and regular visitors started hankering. They waited patiently while Anna & Nicole totally repurposed the former Key Bank building on Main Street. Then, in December 2022 — just as the cool weather set in — the new ovens were fired up, the coffee beans were put through the grinders and the doors were opened, releasing the aroma of fresh goodies into the crisp late autumn air. And the community flocked to enjoy it. And the new team of dedicated bakers and servers marveled at the continuous line of customers. And the two very good friends who dreamed of this day many years ago as they worked together in the kitchen at the beloved Cafe DiCocoa were able — finally — to see their bakery dreams come true.