The last week has been draining in the strangest way. I’m not sure if it was from my post earlier this week, but I was constantly wanting to be alone. But I was acutely aware of my loneliness in those those moments, so I never really was. I kept thinking that if I could just get a good night’s sleep, I would feel better. The days started out the same – waking up, wishing for another hour of delicious sleep, getting ready, and then feeling achingly optimistic on the drive to work (the sun is always brightest before you’re going to spend 8 hours in a cubicle). Then I’d think to myself, “Today is going to be a fantastic day.” As each day wore on, a dull headache developed, I began to feel nauseated, and my pity party became more elaborate.  I just wanted to go home and read all my books. Just one right after the other. I didn’t want to be interrupted by necessities like sleep or nutrition. My evenings were spent with great people, and I really enjoyed myself, but I really just needed a night or two to myself.

I had dinner plans last night, but I ended up cancelling them and ended up spending time with my family instead. I had planned on just going home and reading all night and falling asleep by 8, but this proved to be a much better way to pass the time while my four excedrin (true story) knocked out my headache. I came home around 9 and ended up sleeping by 10. 

It was fantastic. I woke up this morning feeling refreshed and ready to take on a new day. This morning held such potential – did I want to run? Read? Write? Bake? The day is completely mine – I have absolutely no obligations. I love it. 

I opted for a little reading and then baking. I’ve really been into baking scones for the last few months, so I found a recipe for Apple Cheddar Scones at Mary Quite Contrary Bakes. Because I’m broke and had no intention of leaving my apartment, I had to modify the recipe a bit, but it turned out FANTASTIC. 

Apple Cheddar Scones

Ingredients: 

• 2 large tart apples (I used one granny smith & one pink lady)
• 1 1/2 cups of flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 tbsp baking powder 
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 stick butter-flavored Crisco 
• 2.5oz marbled mild and white cheddar, freshly shredded 
• 1/4 cup plain greek yogurt
• 2 eggs
• sugar for sprinkling

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375º F. Peel, core, and chop apples so they are in small cube-ish pieces. Place apples in an even layer on your ancient baking sheet lined with tinfoil, or parchment paper if you’re fancy. (Learn from my slight mistake: if you’re using tinfoil, add just a bit of spray to prevent apples from sticking.) Bake for 15 minutes, then put in freezer until cool to touch. 
2. Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. 
3. On low speed, blend apples, crisco, cheese, greek yogurt, and one egg in a separate bowl. Add flour mixture and mix until ingredients until dough has formed. 
4. Plop the dough on a well-floured counter. With floured hands, work into a disk, and cut dough into six triangles. 
5. Since you don’t buy parchment paper (apparently people use it for baking a lot – maybe you should invest in some, genius) and you’ve had to chisel away the remains from previous baking endeavors, lightly grease your good baking pan. Place scones on pan with room to expand. 
6. Whisk second egg with a pinch of salt. Generously brush egg wash on each scone and sprinkle with sugar. 
7. Bake for 25 minutes, cool on wire rack for 5 minutes. 
8. Eat immediately. You’ll want a second one immediately, but tell  yourself to have some self respect and wait an hour. 

Some part of me wishes I could say I invited a friend over for a cup of coffee and one of these amazing scones, but I fully intend on eating them all on my own. Next time I make them I’ll share, but these are just too damn good. They’re sweet and salty and warm with the slightest crunch on the outside, revealing a heavenly buttery goodness. 

I’ve got to have a second.