Dark Chocolate~ Cherry Scones

“I know several couples who are perfectly happy.  Haven’t spoken in years.” Relationship advice from Dowager Countess of Grantham’s on Season 6, winner of The Gardian’s #17 Best Quote of the 2015 year in television.

After 6 captivating seasons of Downton drama, the beloved series has concluded. I am joined by millions of ardent fans in not wanting Downton Abbey to ever end.  The final season opened in the mid 1920s with rising hemlines, shorter bobbed and bejeweled tresses and ongoing Upstairs/Downstairs intrigue.   Downton changed with the times over 6 seasons but some things remained quintessentially the same:  scones!  After making traditional cream currant scones for Season 4, and Lemon Ginger scones for Season 5, I whipped up a batch of very modern Dark Chocolate~Cherry scones for the final season.

I made my scones with frozen cherries, thawed and drained. They took an extra 10 minutes to bake.  If you are using dried cherries, the scones will bake in 17-20 minutes.  Adding the finishing dark chocolate drizzle takes these over the top.  I used Dove Dark Chocolate.  If using a very dark chocolate without much sugar, increase the sugar by 2-3 tablespoons.

Dark Chocolate Chunk~Cherry Scones

• Servings: 12
• Print

2 c flour

1 T baking powder

1/2 t salt

1 c heavy cream

1/2 c sugar, more if your chocolate is not very sweet

1 oz dark chocolate, chopped in rough pieces

4 T butter to brush

1 c of cherries, quartered, and drained in a colander

1 oz dark chocolate, melted, to drizzle

Preheat oven to 375F.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In  a large bowl mix the flour, sugar and salt. Add the cream and mix until just blended. Using a wooden spoon, mix in the cherries and chocolate until just blended.  Using your hands and working on a floured surface, mound the batter in a round shape.  Transfer to the prepared baking sheet.  Score into 12 pieces.  Brush with the butter. Bake 17-20 minutes if using dried cherries or 30 minutes if using fresh or frozen and thawed cherries.  Let cool 10 minutes then drizzle with the melted chocolate.

“Tea is served My Lady!”