Spelt Scones with Chocolate Chunks & Dried Cherries (vegan)

I like to consider myself a reasonable person in most matters, but I am a bonafide snob when it comes to scones. I blame it all on my mother. She made scones–namely buttery, currant scones, from the Woman’s Day Encyclopedia of Cookery–on a regular basis, whipping them up in minutes (sans food processor or even pastry cutter), and then presenting them at table, snug in a linen-lined basket. The scones were typically paired with an assortment of jams, as well as pointed opinions regarding what a proper scone should be: (1) made in a home kitchen; (2) served warm (preferably fresh out of the oven); (3) light, not leaden. In other words, everything a store-bought, or even bakery-made scone, can never be.

I think I’ve already passed along my scone-snootiness to Nick: I purchased a mini vanilla scone for him at Starbucks last week (per his request as a post-haircut treat) and he promptly declared it “yucky” (although he did lick and nibble off all of the icing). Fortunately for both of us, we have Kevin, who considers this kind of selectivity utterly ridiculous (unless, of course, one is talking about steak or pale ale).

And Kevin does love my scones, so I was happy to make a batch (pre-church) this past Sunday morning. I had plenty of time, which clashed with my deep-seated need to get dressed and ready for church at the very last minute. I have about 20 favorite scone recipes (really; cue the eye-rolling from Kevin), but settled on one key addition: dark chocolate chunks. And some dried cherries. Because chocolate + cherries= yum!

I used one of my favorite flours, too: whole grain spelt flour (don’t worry, you can use whole wheat flour, too). It has a subtly sweet flavor that is positively delectable in baked goods.

Together with coffee, the newly and gloriously cool weather, & the company of Nick & Kevin, it was a pretty perfect morning. Add to that, Nick did (some) of the dishes–his new passion in life, he thinks it’s one big water table–while I threw on some clothes and make-up.

To scones!