Peanut Butter Chocolate Scones for The Secret Book & Scone Society

The Secret, Book & Scone Society is our current bi-monthly pick at Cook the Books Club, hosted this time by Simona of Briciole. In my opinion this is a delightful novel, featuring not only tempting food, secrets and some magic (or call it inspired intuition), but healing and a bit of romance as well. On top of all that the new found friends solve a mystery.  From the Publishers:

"A quirky club in small-town North Carolina holds the keys to health, happiness, friendship—and even solving a murder—all to be found within the pages of the right book…

Strangers flock to Miracle Springs hoping the natural hot springs, five-star cuisine, and renowned spa can cure their ills. If none of that works, they often find their way to Miracle Books, where, over a fresh-baked “comfort” scone, they exchange their stories with owner Nora Pennington in return for a carefully chosen book. That’s Nora’s special talent—prescribing the perfect novel to ease a person’s deepest pain. So when a visiting businessman reaches out for guidance, Nora knows exactly how to help. But before he can keep their appointment, he’s found dead on the train tracks.

Stunned, Nora forms the Secret, Book, and Scone Society, a group of damaged souls yearning to earn redemption by helping others. To join, members must divulge their darkest secret—the terrible truth that brought each of them to Miracle Springs in the first place. Now, determined to uncover the truth behind the businessman’s demise, the women meet in Nora’s cozy bookstore. And as they untangle a web of corruption, they also discover their own courage, purpose, and a sisterhood that will carry them through every challenge—proving it’s never too late to turn the page and start over..."

Well, I didn't necessarily have to make scones, though many of the descriptions were enticing.   But, since I enjoy experimenting with scones, one particular combination near the end of the book sparked real  inspiration - Hester's own "comfort" creation - the peanut-butter cup scone. I didn't use peanut butter cups, but chopped, toasted peanuts and some peanut butter, with melted chocolate swiped on top.

Unfortunately, my ganache didn't really melt and pour properly; also should have been more glossy, but the taste was totally there.   Oh well.  These are basically Alice Waters' Cream Scones recipe, with the addition of 1/4 cup chopped, toasted peanuts and 1 cup creamy peanut butter.  What a delicious combination, reminiscent of, yes, Peanut-butter Cups.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Scones

    Adapted from Alice Waters - The Art of Simple Food

Preheat oven to 400F

lightly toast the peanuts, let cool a bit, then chop and set aside

Stir together in a large bowl:

2 cups unbleached (preferably organic) flour (I use about 1/2 cup of it whole wheat)

2 1/2  teas. baking powder

1/2 teas. salt

1/4 cup sugar

1/4 teas. nutmeg

Cut in: 

 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

Stir in:

the peanuts,

1 1/3 cups cream

Mix until the dough just starts to come together; it will be sticky. Pat into an 8-inch circle.  Cut the circle into 8 wedges and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.  Bake for 17 minutes or until golden brown.

If you'd like to join in, there's still time, as the doors are open until November 30th.  Just read the book and post a recipe it inspires you to cook.  More details at Cook the Books Guidelines. I'll be linking this post as my contribution to the party, and will also join in for Weekend Cooking, hosted by Marge the Intrepid, and with Heather for her Foodies Read Challenge, October edition.