“Gemma’s Best Ever Irish Scones”

Hi Bold Bakers!

This is a very special recipe, one that has been frequently requested and highly anticipated. In celebration of St. Patrick’s Day,

I finally perfected my Best Ever Irish Scones recipe! These are the most authentic Irish Scones around as they are quite literally a revamped recreation of what I grew up with in Ireland similar to my Traditional Irish Soda Bread & Simple White Irish Soda Bread recipes.

To me, Irish soda bread scones are all about texture. My Best Ever Scones have all of the signs of what a scone should be: a crunchy, crackly exterior, a moist and dense interior, and a lightly sweet flavor. Overall a bite of these should feel like a big hug!

My Best Ever Irish Scones, along with my Best Ever Banana Bread and my Best Ever Chocolate Chip Cookies, are a tried and true recipe that will quickly become your go-to. Just like a flakey biscuit, scones are made of flour, butter, sugar, egg, and milk.

How to Serve My Best-Ever Irish Scones

After baking, I love to top these with jam and fresh whipped cream. If you happen to have my homemade Microwave Jam or clotted cream, even better! If you’ve ever wondered How to Make Clotted Cream you have to check out this recipe!

St. Patrick’s Day or not, these are sure to become a family favorite! Also, don’t miss my other traditional Irish recipes.

   

Best-Ever Irish Scones filled with cream and jam amongst other scones.

Hi Bold Bakers!

This is a very special recipe, one that has been frequently requested and highly anticipated. In celebration of St. Patrick’s Day,   I finally perfected my Best Ever Irish Scones recipe! These are the most authentic Irish Scones around as they are quite literally a revamped recreation of what I grew up with in Ireland similar to my Traditional Irish Soda Bread & Simple White Irish Soda Bread recipes.

To me, Irish soda bread scones are all about texture. My Best Ever Scones have all of the signs of what a scone should be: a crunchy, crackly exterior, a moist and dense interior, and a lightly sweet flavor. Overall a bite of these should feel like a big hug!

My Best Ever Irish Scones, along with my Best Ever Banana Bread and my Best Ever Chocolate Chip Cookies, are a tried and true recipe that will quickly become your go-to. Just like a flakey biscuit, scones are made of flour, butter, sugar, egg, and milk.

Top-down view of a batch of my traditional, Best Irish Scones recipe.

What Are Irish Scones?

Irish Scones are heaven on Earth, and straight out of my childhood in Ireland. They’re scones that have a lightly sweet crust and a wonderfully moist center served with cream, butter, or jam. Bonus points if they’re all homemade! They’re also traditionally round, not triangular like you’d find in the States.

If you need help making them, check out my step-by-step Irish Scones recipe video below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLmH7o6xK70&t=2s

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 22 mins
Total Time 42 mins
With a lightly sweet crust and densely moist center, my Best Ever Irish Scone recipe is a tried and true classic.
Take it from an Irishwoman and chef!
Author: Gemma Stafford
Servings: 12 scones

Ingredients

  • 4 2/3 cups (1lb 8 oz./680g) self-raising flour (plus extra for dusting) 
  • 3/4 cup (6 oz./170g) butter (frozen)
  • 3 level teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 cup (4 oz./113g) sugar
  • 1/2 cup (4 oz./113g) raisins/sultanas
  • 1 1/4 cup (10 flu oz./300ml) milk
  • 2 eggs (beaten)

Instructions

  • In a large mixing bowl, add your self-raising flour.
  • Using a cheese grater, grate the butter in until it is all gone. (Alternatively using a pastry cutter, cut/rub the butter into the flour until fully crumbed and resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
  • Stir in raisins, baking powder, and sugar.
  • In a small mixing bowl, whisk eggs and milk and until thoroughly combined. Pour the mixture into your flour mix and stir until a soft dough is formed.
  • Transfer dough to a floured surface and press to 1 1/2 inch thick. (If your scones are not forming a dough add a little more liquid.)
  • Cut scones out with a round 3-inch cookie cutter.
  • Place cut scones onto a baking tray lined with parchment.
  • Gather remaining dough in a ball, re-flatten then cut scones from dough. Repeat until the entire batch of dough is cut into scones. If you have a little excess dough left, just pat it onto the top of the scones.
  • Bake at 425°F (210°C) for roughly 22-26 minutes. In the video, I said 12 minutes but to get them really golden brown you will want to bake for longer. 
  • Cool on a wire rack.
  • Serve warm or fully cooled with butter, jam, or fresh cream.

Recipe Notes

BAKE TIME: In the video, I said 12 minutes, but to get them really golden brown you will want to bake for longer.
I ended up baking for over 20 minutes — but due to differences in ovens and elevations, your timing may vary!
Just keep an eye for the perfect color.

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“A Call for HELP to Every ONE”

Josh Hawley

Pray for Ron DeSantis
Yahoo/Inbox
Chaplain Klingenschmitt, PhD <news@libertydaily.org>
To:
Tue, Jul 27 at 9:09 AM
Banner

Fellow Believer in Christ:

The left is working every day to make Government more important than God. They are erasing Biblical Values from our national ethos, our lives and destroying our nation.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is standing alone against the assault on our values, and he needs our help.

PrayerHe has made it clear that parents make decisions for their children, not the Government.

As a Navy Combat Veteran, he doesn’t cower to liberal pressure and has banned transgender people from participating in girl’s sports.

He refused to lock down schools and churches.

He refused the vaccine mandates coming out of the White House.

Just last month, he banned Critical Race Theory from being taught in schools.

And he is holding Big Tech accountable for their censorship tactics.

We owe a duty as faithful Christians to stand up and use the power of Prayer to defend freedom in America. Therefore, I am asking every patriot reading this email to Pray for Ron DeSantis.

As believers, we must join together and ask our Heavenly Father to:

  • Keep Governor DeSantis and those who serve him safe from the enemy’s snares (Psalm 141: 9-10).
  • Ensure Governor DeSantis would show no fear toward the evil that assails him (Isaiah 8:12), but rather overcome it with a zeal and passion for His laws which bring life and liberty to all (Proverbs 10:29-32).
  • Sustain Governor DeSantis so that he will continue to love His word and seek His wisdom diligently (Proverbs 8:17), remaining open and teachable to Godly counsel and heaven’s wisdom (Proverbs 1:7).
  • Grant Governor DeSantis increased grace and blessing as he heeds His voice and obeys His word (Proverbs 21:1).
  • Allow Governor DeSantis to rule among his enemies, not backing down or wavering due to threats or intimidation (Psalm 110: 1-2; Ephesians 6:13).

My name is Gordon Klingenschmitt, and I am a former Navy Chaplain. Preaching Jesus and serving Sailors was my highest goal and honor.

I started the Pray in Jesus Name Project to fight the special interests that erase God from the United States of America. The fight is far from over, and I need to know who will stand up against those seeking to make Government more important than God.

While I served, I was constantly pressured by my superiors to make my prayers and sermons “non-sectarian.” Then in 2006, the Navy wrote a bad policy 1730.7c, which my supervisor explained to me, “if you pray in Jesus’ name, you can be punished.”

That didn’t stop me, and I was subject to a misdemeanor court-martial for using the name of Jesus while in uniform. It took an act of Congress to vindicate me, but I lost my pension.

I’ve never stopped praying in the name of Jesus Christ, and I never will.

“But truly God has listened; he has attended to the voice of my prayer.”
– Psalm 66:19

I started the Pray in Jesus Name Project to protect Biblical Values and religious freedom in America. After you have prayed for Governor DeSantis, please consider a donation to the Pray in Jesus Name Project so we can continue our outreach to educate the faithful and oppose those who would dare infringe upon OUR rights to worship freely.

When Christian leaders in America are under attack, the Pray in Jesus Name Project stands up to defend them, and our work begins with Prayer.

DeSantisPlease do all you can to help the Pray in Jesus Name Project to defeat the forces that seek to erase Biblical Values from America.

When they see leaders like Ron DeSantis, who possess a solid moral compass, they work to put stumbling blocks in his path. They work to tear him down instead of seeking ways to lift him up and all us of who will benefit from his sage leadership.

They want to control us and will even use the media to spread vicious lies absent any facts. They don’t want us praying freely, working freely, living freely, or even praying without their approval.

We can’t stop them unless you help me get this message to more believers.

For a stronger America,

Chaplain Gordon James Klingenschmitt, PhD

Chaplain Gordon James Klingenschmitt, PhD
Pray in Jesus’ Name Project

The views of Chaplain Klingenschmitt, who was honorably but involuntarily discharged from the Navy in 2007 after facing court-martial for praying ‘in Jesus name’ in uniform, (but was later vindicated by Congress), are personal views expressed through his corporations. Your donations to GJK, Inc. d/b/a The Pray In Jesus Name Project are not tax-deductible but are highly effective when used to publish our political opinions and advocate for Christian causes in public policies and may or may not evaluate and inform the public concerning stands taken by candidates for public office. Such corporate political advocacy is specifically authorized as corporate free speech, by the U.S. Supreme Court in Citizens United v. FEC. Although not tax-deductible, be sure to print our electronic receipt of your donation for your records, since it may or may not be claimed as a legitimate business expense or consulting fee, so please ask your CPA or tax advisor.
 
24338 El Torro Rd, Suite E-108
Laguna Woods, CA 92637
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“Buttermilk Chess Bars”

Buttermilk Chess Bars

Buttermilk Chess Bars

A touch of cornmeal adds crunch to these rich and tangy…  

Buttermilk Chess Bars. 

Serves: about 16
Ingredients
Crust:
  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
Filling:
  • 1½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup whole buttermilk
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons plain yellow cornmeal
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Garnish: confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350°. Lightly spray bottom of a 13×9-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Line pan with parchment paper, letting excess extend over sides of pan.
  2. For crust: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, and salt. Using a pastry blender or 2 forks, cut in cold butter until mixture is crumbly. Firmly press mixture into bottom of prepared pan.
  3. Bake until golden brown, about 25 minutes. Leave oven on.
  4. For filling: In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, lemon zest and juice, cornmeal, flour, and vanilla until smooth. Pour filling into prepared crust.
  5. Bake until filling is set, about 30 minutes. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
  6. Using excess parchment as handles, remove from pan before cutting into squares. Garnish with confectioners’ sugar, if desired. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Notes
Be sure to give your carton of buttermilk a good shake before measuring; it will settle and separate over time.

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“August 1st, this Sunday is Lee Aldrich Birthday”

“Get Ready to Celebrate with Lee Aldrich”

     “HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Lee ALDRICH”

Some times in LIFE, we know not what we are doing, when we are doing,  and WHY we are doing something, because  there will be a TIME in the future, when something so unforeseen will happen,  it will break our heart,  and we would not be able to live any longer, if we had that fore knowledge.

On this particular evening,  Lee was sitting in my favorite “Boston Rocker” and while we were talking, I just had the urge to  get my camera and snap this  PHOTO of Lee,  just something about how he looked,  right there,  in his suit ready for work.  A Detective on the St.Louis Police Force,  had to take  just this one picture and no others,  and years later always ask myself  “WHY”  as there was really nothing extra special, going on at that time?

In 1967,  when Lee had left this EARTH to be in HEAVEN,  I just felt that I had to go through all  of the old PHOTOS to have just  one enlarged,  and hung in a prominent spot,  so that the children and all those that visited  our home would remember Lee,  as he looked  and would never ever forget him. So,  after a couple of months of searching, finally  found several  old pictures and took them to the “Famous Barr Store” downtown. 

  I knew,  that they could do the best work on restoration and enlarging,  just  the one store,  that I trusted to do what I wanted done.

 

This is the same PHOTO,  but after Lee passed on to HEAVEN, I  wanted a PHOTO  that could be restored,  so that our children would never ever forget what their “DADDY” looked like.  I felt that  they would always have a memory of him as he was  and remembered him, as he was here on Earth with us.

So, this is what the results  were, the above was enlarged to maybe 16 x 24 inches and in a beautiful frame,  just looks like a master piece of art,  done so well,  the coloring and all of the old back ground,  in the old picture removed,  just can not think of  all of the wonders that were performed, and everyone has said, “It looks as if  Lee’s  eyes follow you, when you move around the room!”

When I hung this PHOTO on the wall,  that one spot at the top of the entrance foyer  stairs of our home on “Cherbourg” and I had brought Lee’s  MOTHER out to stay, for a few days, never gave a thought about  “Lee’s”  picture hanging where you will see it, just  as you ascend the stairs.

I almost thought that  “Louise”  was having a “heart attack,   she was crying” she thought, she was seeing him alive!

That was another strong memory, never to be forgotten!

Just amazing how some small things  that we  will do, and without any real thought,  at the time,  find much  later on, that  for the rest of our lives, those  very same small incidents,   were to become  a special memory,  that will be ever-lasting memories,   in fact, the very best of  memories, that will last  with us  forever!

Today is that  big day for a “BIRTHDAY PARTY”  for the best person, that  I know and LOVE  forever!   May our “Almighty Yahweh”  continue to Bless  “LEE”  forever and ever!    D.V.

*******************************************************************************

“Lee” was in  St. Joseph Hospital just before CHRISTMAS 1966 and,  since it was so close to Christmas, they left him come HOME,  which really was a bad idea,  as he was so weak,  but, to be “HOME for CHRISTMAS” with the children,  was great!

One of the last things that  I bought for Lee, was the “record” which  had just come out, and was such a great “HIT”  being played all the time – something I really liked.  I still have this “record” as well as so many others, that we would listen too! 

Let me know,  if you heard this before,  and if you still  like  “Winchester Cathedral”   … just  sit back and…Enjoy!


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“NATIONAL SYSTEM ADMINISTRATOR APPRECIATION DAY”

NATIONAL SYSTEM ADMINISTRATOR APPRECIATION DAY – Last Friday in July

National System Administrator Appreciation Day on the last Friday in July recognizes the IT professionals who keep organizations of all sizes up and running. This day is also known as Sysadmin Day, SysAdminDay, SAD or SAAD.

Around the office, if technical issues arise, the system administrator answers the call. When the company needs to upgrade, they turn to the IT professionals to log long hours to test and complete it. Even in small offices, one or two people handle system updates and troubleshooting. These are the system administrators and IT professionals.

Not only do they keep our hardware and software running smoothly, but system administrators keep our networks secure. They stay informed of the latest technology, too. When we go home at night, they often work around the clock to make our systems available the next day. 

Some geek and Internet culture businesses, like ThinkGeek and CafePress, honor the holiday with unique product offerings, discounts, and contests. Since system administrators love being serenaded, various folk songs dedicated to the IT specialist commemorate the day. Comparatively, e-cards are also available to send to your favorite administrator.

Many IT professional organizations recognize and promote the day, including the League of Professional System Administrators and Sage/Usenix.

HOW TO OBSERVE #SysAdminDay

Thank a system administrator who has helped you out. While you’re sending them a well-worded thank you, buy them a cup of coffee. Show your appreciation by making sure others know how outstanding their work is. When technology runs smoothly, be sure to let the IT specialist know. They certainly hear about it when it doesn’t. 

Post on social media using #SysAdminDay and encourage others to join in the celebration.

NATIONAL SYSTEM ADMINISTRATOR DAY HISTORY

Ted Kekatos created National System Administrator Appreciation Day. A Hewlett-Packard magazine advertisement inspired Kekatos to launch the day. The advertisement showed grateful co-workers giving their systems administrator flowers and a fruit basket for installing a new printer. Just days before, Kekatos had installed several of the same models of printers at his place of work. The first System Administrator Appreciation Day was celebrated on July 28, 2000.


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“NATIONAL GET GNARLY DAY”

NATIONAL GET GNARLY DAY – LAST FRIDAY IN JULY

The last Friday in July provides an opportunity to embrace new ideas and toss out old ways on National Get Gnarly Day.

The word “Gnarly” gets a bad rap.  It can mean “bad” or “dangerous” but can also be exciting.  Surfers often use the term to describe the waves they tackle.  Much like surfers challenging the waves, Get Gnarly Day challenges us to put some gnarliness into everything we do.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalGetGnarlyDay

Five Sure Ways to Add Gnarliness to Your Life

1. Find a gnarly hobby. Hulda Crooks, born in 1896, didn’t start hiking and climbing until she was 54 years old after her husband’s death. While she was an active jogger and walker prior to his death, she was by no means a qualified mountain climber.  Crooks first scaled Mount Whitney in California, the highest summit in the contiguous United States, at the age of 66.  She completed a total of 23 ascents of Mount Whitney and at the age of 91 climbed Mount Fuji in Japan. Mountain climbing added gnarliness to her life.

2. Meet gnarly people. Take a cooking class, volunteer for a local charity, accept those invites you’ve previously declined. Stepping out of your comfort zone from time to time will introduce you to different experiences and as a result new people. It will make for a gnarly social circle.

3. Get a gnarly passport. A first-time passport costs $135 including fees and can take up to 6 weeks to process. If gnarliness is truly your new way of life, you’ll want to have a passport. Gnarly people are world travelers. Even if travel plans are not immediate, having a passport places the potential of global travel within reach and potential is pretty gnarly.

4. Find a gnarly new style. Redecorate a room in the house or find a fresh new hairstyle. Both can revitalize an attitude and an outlook on life. Gather a group of friends and take turns helping paint a room in each other’s home a gnarly color. The gnarly part? The homeowner doesn’t get to pick the color. Be kind, though. Turn around is fair play. Apply the same idea to hairstyles or makeovers.

5. Throw a gnarly party. Celebrate all this gnarliness! It’s something to share, so be sure to let the enthusiasm show. Invite those new friends to fully incorporate them into your gnarly social circle. Show off the stamps in your gnarly passport and take lots of pictures to document for National Get Gnarly Day!

Use #NationalGetGnarlyDay to share on social media.

NATIONAL GET GNARLY DAY HISTORY

In 2016, Whirlpool Corporation launched a campaign to put some “gNARliness” into everything they did as a way to encourage their employees to get excited about reaching goals and satisfying customers. The “NAR” in “gNARliness” had special meaning, representing their North American Region. When the campaign kicked off, the employees’ response was overwhelming.  As a result, Whirlpool Corporation wanted to share this gnarliness by creating National Get Gnarly Day.

The Registrar at National Day Calendar approved the day in June of 2016.


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