Orange Pecan Scones – South Beach: A Zesty and Nutty Delight

The aroma of toasted nuts and citrus is one that immediately transports me back to crisp autumn mornings, particularly those spent in South Florida. While often associated with cooler climates, the vibrant flavors of oranges and pecans found their way into many delightful dishes in the South Beach diet recipes I encountered. I remember a particularly special brunch where these scones were served, a revelation of lightness and bright, sunny flavor that felt both comforting and invigorating. The gentle sweetness, the satisfying crunch of pecans, and that unmistakable whisper of orange zest were a perfect prelude to a day of enjoying the ocean breeze. They weren’t just a treat; they were a moment captured in flavor.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
• Total Time: 35-38 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Yield: 8 scones
• Dietary Type: South Beach Diet Friendly

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to craft these delightful Orange Pecan Scones:

• 1/3 cup pecan pieces
• 1/4 cup 1% fat buttermilk (or 1/4 cup fat-free buttermilk)
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
• 1/8 teaspoon orange extract
• 1/2 cup whole wheat pastry flour
• 1/2 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granular sugar substitute
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chilled trans-fat free margarine, cut into bits

Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet
• Small bowl
• Large bowl
• Pastry blender or two knives
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven
• Cooling rack

Instructions

Let’s get baking! Follow these steps carefully for the best results:

1. Preheat and Toast Pecans: Position your oven rack in the middle of the oven and heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven preheats, spread the pecan pieces on a baking sheet. Toast them until fragrant and lightly golden, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Once toasted, remove them from the oven and set aside to cool completely.
2. Prepare Baking Sheet: Lightly coat a separate baking sheet with cooking spray. This will prevent the scones from sticking.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange extract. Set this mixture aside.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the whole wheat pastry flour, unbleached all-purpose flour, granular sugar substitute, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Sifting ensures a lighter, more even texture.
5. Cut in the Margarine: Add the chilled, cut trans-fat free margarine to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender or two knives, cut the margarine into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse meal. You’re looking for small, pea-sized pieces of margarine distributed throughout the flour mixture.
6. Incorporate Pecans and Wet Mixture: Add the cooled, toasted pecans to the bowl. Then, pour in the buttermilk mixture. Stir until the ingredients just come together to form a slightly sticky dough. Be careful not to overmix at this stage, as it can lead to tough scones.
7. Knead the Dough: Using lightly dampened hands (this prevents the dough from sticking to you), knead the dough gently 4-5 times directly in the bowl. This brief kneading helps to develop just enough gluten for a tender crumb without making it tough.
8. Shape and Cut: Transfer the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Form the dough into a 3/4-inch thick disk. Once shaped, cut the disk all the way through into 8 wedges. Do not separate the wedges; they will bake more evenly and retain moisture this way.
9. Bake: Bake until the scones are lightly golden, which typically takes 15-18 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary.
10. Serve: The scones are best served warm, but they are also delicious at room temperature.

Expert Tips & Tricks

To elevate your Orange Pecan Scones, consider these professional insights:

• Chilled Margarine is Key: For a tender, flaky scone, it’s crucial that your trans-fat free margarine is very cold when you cut it into the flour mixture. This creates pockets of fat that melt during baking, resulting in those desirable flaky layers.
• Don’t Overwork the Dough: Scone dough is meant to be handled minimally. Overmixing or over-kneading develops too much gluten, leading to tough, dense scones. A light touch is your best friend here.
• Toasting the Pecans: While seemingly a small step, toasting your pecans intensifies their nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch that complements the tender scone beautifully. Ensure they cool completely before adding them to the dough to avoid melting the margarine.
• Orange Zest vs. Juice: For this recipe, we use orange zest for its concentrated aromatic oils. If you want a stronger orange flavor, you could add a tiny bit more zest, but avoid adding juice, as it can alter the dough’s moisture balance.
• Making Ahead: If you need to prepare these in advance, you can freeze the shaped scones before baking. Place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These Orange Pecan Scones are wonderful served warm, perhaps with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a light drizzle of honey if your dietary plan allows. They are also perfectly enjoyable at room temperature.

Storage:
Scones are best enjoyed shortly after baking. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 1 month in advance. To reheat, simply defrost at room temperature and reheat in a warm oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.

Nutritional Information

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and preparation methods.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	108.9 kcal
Calories from Fat
Total Fat	4.2 g	6%
Saturated Fat	0.6 g	2%
Cholesterol	23.6 mg	7%
Sodium	220 mg	9%
Total Carbohydrate	15.2 g	5%
Dietary Fiber	1.6 g	6%
Sugars	2.8 g	11%
Protein	3.3 g	6%

Variations & Substitutions

While this recipe is designed to be South Beach Diet friendly, here are a few ideas for adaptations:

• Nut-Free: If you need to omit the nuts, you can skip the pecans entirely. You could also add a tablespoon of poppy seeds or chia seeds for a little texture.
• Extra Orange Flavor: For a more intense citrus punch, you can add a tablespoon of freshly squeezed orange juice to the wet ingredients, but be mindful that this may slightly alter the dough consistency.
• Sweetness Adjustment: The granular sugar substitute can be adjusted to your personal preference, keeping in mind the principles of your specific dietary plan.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Why do my scones turn out tough?
A: Tough scones are usually a result of overmixing or over-kneading the dough. Handle the dough as little as possible, just until it comes together.

Q: Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
A: While buttermilk provides a lovely tenderness and slight tang, if you don’t have any, you can substitute it with regular milk. For a similar effect, you can add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1/4 cup of regular milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Q: How do I know when the scones are done baking?
A: The scones are ready when they are lightly golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Q: Can I make these scones gluten-free?
A: To make these gluten-free, you would need to experiment with a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum. The texture might vary.

Q: What is the best way to store uneaten scones?
A: Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze them.

Final Thoughts

These Orange Pecan Scones are a testament to how simple, wholesome ingredients can come together to create something truly special. They embody the bright, fresh spirit of South Beach cuisine, offering a satisfying and flavorful bite without compromising on your health goals. Whether enjoyed with your morning coffee, as an afternoon pick-me-up, or as part of a celebratory brunch, I hope they bring a touch of sunshine to your day. Give them a try, and let the delightful combination of citrus and toasted nuts transport you. I’d love to hear about your experience in the kitchen!