The world of baking is a fascinating one, and sometimes a simple twist on a classic recipe can make all the difference. Take the humble scone, for example. While many home bakers struggle to achieve the perfect, fluffy, mile-high scone, one expert has come up with a simple solution: a loaf pan. But what makes this particular baking technique so special? And why is it that a simple kitchen staple can make such a big difference? Well, personally, I think it's all about the structural support. A loaf pan provides the perfect shape and support for the scones to rise straight and tall, rather than splaying over a tray. This is a common issue for home bakers, and it's one that can be easily solved with a simple change of equipment. But what's the science behind it? In my opinion, it's all about the air. When you bake scones in a loaf pan, the sides of the pan encourage the scones to rise up, rather than spread out. This means that the scones have more room to expand and rise, resulting in a taller, fluffier scone. And what's more, this technique is not just a trick for home bakers. Professional baking experts, such as Brigid Treloar, a cookery judge at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, swear by using a cake tin for scones. She explains that a cake tin encourages the scones to rise, rather than spread, helping to create a more even and structured scone. So, what's the secret to achieving mile-high scones? Well, it's all about the right mix of ingredients and techniques. You need the right ratio of butter to flour to milk, and you need to be gentle with the dough to ensure that it's not overworked. Overworking the dough can result in tough scones that resemble pancakes rather than the perfect scones you might see at a CWA-judged baking competition. But even with these foolproof methods, achieving the perfect high-rise lift in a scone has been a challenge for many home bakers. That's why Michelle Southan, Taste's food director, has created her 'skyscraper scones'. Her recipe relies on a simple kitchen staple, a loaf pan, to create scones that reach double the height of regular scones. And what's more, her recipe is practical and economical, using only a small amount of flour to make a large number of scones. So, if you're looking to impress your friends and family with perfect, mile-high scones, why not give Michelle's skyscraper scones a try? With her simple recipe and clever use of a loaf pan, you'll be able to achieve scones that are not only delicious but also visually stunning. And who knows, you might just become the next CWA-judged baking champion!
