Matcha Herb Scones Food

MATCHA BLONDIES ("MATCHIES")

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 13-by-9-inch metal baking pan, then line the bottom and sides with parchment paper; butter the parchment paper. Dust the inside of the pan with flour and knock out the excess.
• In a large microwavable bowl, microwave the butter until it melts, about 1 1/2 minutes. Add two-thirds of the white chocolate, then shake the bowl so that the butter covers the chocolate; let stand for 1 minute. Starting from the center of the bowl, whisk the butter and white chocolate together slowly until smooth. Add the matcha powder and whisk until smooth.
• In another large bowl, vigorously whisk together both sugars, the vanilla, salt and eggs until smooth, lightened in color and foamy, about 30 seconds. Scrape the matcha mixture into the bowl and whisk until smooth. Add the flour and use a rubber spatula to fold it in until just incorporated.
• Scrape the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly, and smooth the top. Bake until light brown on top and a toothpick inserted halfway between the center and edges comes out clean, about 35 minutes.
• Remove the baking pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle the remaining 4 ounces white chocolate evenly over the top of the "matchies"; let stand for 1 minute. Using a small butter knife or offset spatula, spread the chocolate evenly over the top, creating swirls and peaks.
• Let the "matchies" cool completely, then use the parchment paper to lift them from the pan to a cutting board. Slice them into 24 squares and serve. Store leftovers in a single layer in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

MATCHA-HERB SCONES

Steps:

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. Combine the flour, sugar, matcha, baking powder and 1 teaspoon salt in a large bowl and whisk until evenly combined. Add the chilled butter and rub it into the flour with your fingers until it resembles a coarse meal. Combine the chives and tarragon in a small bowl, then scoop out and reserve 1 tablespoon of the herbs in another bowl. Sprinkle the remaining herbs in the flour mixture and toss until evenly incorporated.
• Form a well in the center of the flour mixture, then pour in the cream. Using a fork, stir until the dough just comes together (it will be wet and sticky). Transfer the dough to well-floured work surface and, using well-floured hands, pat into a 9-by-6-inch rectangle, about 3/4-inch thick. Using a large knife, halve the rectangle lengthwise, then cut crosswise into thirds, creating six 3-by-3-inch squares. Halve each square diagonally to create 12 triangles, then transfer all the triangles to the prepared baking sheet and space apart evenly. Freeze for 1 hour to firm up.
• Meanwhile, in a small bowl, add the room temperature butter, pepper and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Add the reserved herbs and stir to combine. Set aside.
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Using a pastry brush, dust off any excess flour attached to the scones, then brush the tops of the scones with cream. Bake the scones until puffed and golden brown on top, 20 to 25 minutes. Transfer the scones to a wire rack and let cool for 10 minutes, then serve warm with the herb butter on the side.