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It's really quite outrageous ……… very out of the ordinary, definitely not an everyday occurrence for most families - waking up children in the middle of the night, for a party, a party with Toffee Bar Chocolate Chip Scones............... Who would do that?
We would ............. and we do!
If you've been a regular visitor here at The Café, you might remember some of the infamous Middle of the Night Parties we've had in the past (like this one or this one). They've become a cherished and fun tradition in our family. For our newer readers, this is how they work; whenever we visit our daughter and her family in London or when they're spending time with us in the States, we always have one of these crazy parties. It often occurs on the last night of the visit and takes place in the wee hours of the morning.
Grammy (that would be me) slips into the girl's room and, starting with Annie, the oldest, I tap them gently on the head. When they arouse a bit, I ask them the big (always the same) question; "Do you want to go back to sleep or do you want to have a Middle of the Night Party?". They always respond with the same (very affirmative) answer; "Middle of the Night Party!". Papa helps carry the bleary-eyed tots downstairs where we have a fun, fancy table awaiting them along with a few yummy treats.
Here's Annie, "the pro", explaining to Lillie, "the novice", that she has to "go right back to sleep after the party, and not make a peep, or mum and dad will NEVER let us have another Middle of the Night Party again". This has been my mantra for all these years as we carry the girlies back to bed. 🙂
This tradition started years ago when Annie, who's now seven, was quite small. Eventually Elle (six this month) joined us. Our little expat family headed back to London last Friday after a fun seven weeks here North Carolina, so, in the deepest, darkest part of the night, it happened again and this time little Lillie (three "and a half") joined in the fun. She's quite proud and feeling very grown up!! It's such a "rite of passage" now and a wonderful way for us to create amazing memories.
We had a little snag the last time we planned one of these special nocturnal festivities. You can read more about it here (we called it A Middle of the Night Party That Almost Was) but in a nutshell, the girlies didn't obey their mum and the party got canceled. There were tears on both sides; the girls as well as the Grammy, but the the little ones learned a valuable lesson; not only that they need to mind their parents, but that there are consequences if they don't.
Such a great life lesson, isn't it? We're all in a lot of trouble if we grow up and haven't learned that important concept. They decided, after that incident, that they wouldn't EVER miss another precious party due to their behavior ................. and guess what? They were good as gold this time, hence the title "A Middle of the Night Party That Was".
I love to make a fun surprise treat for the girls for these festive parties and decided this time that scones would be a perfect little nighttime nibble. Not just any scones though; I was inspired by a recipe I saw in a favorite new cookbook. I had fun adapting the recipe a bit and came up with these Toffee Bar Chocolate Chip Scones. The girls loved them and I must say they're ridiculously delicious! (oh, and I did make tiny versions for the MNP, not the humungous ones you see in the photos, mum and dad would frown on that :)).
The recipe comes together quickly since the scone batter is scooped into small tart pans* in lieu of being rolled or patted out, as in traditional scone recipes. I studded the batter and sprinkled the tops with miniature chocolate chips, then finished with a generous scatter of crushed toffee bars. The results are not only fun to look at, but explode with moist tenderness and delicious flavor.
If you're thinking of creating a new tradition, these fabulous scones would be a perfect initiation treat. If you're not of that inclination, make them anyway, and the first bite may be just the inspiration you need!
P.S. Words of wisdom from an old Grammy;
First, don't be afraid to discipline your children. It's so hard at the time, but honestly, it will make much happier, healthier children. And it will greatly improve your relationship with them. Combining firm discipline and consistent limits with a generous dose of love and affirmation will reap a multitude of benefits. Though it may seem that just the opposite is be true, your kids will respect you so much more and family relationships will be more harmonious.Secondly, don't be afraid to be a bit crazy, unpredictable, perhaps even outrageous. Plan something that's out of the ordinary. Create fun, unique memories. Use your imagination and do something that your kids/grandkids would never expect ............. you might even wake them up in the middle of the night and have a party! The children treasure these special times all their lives, and so will you!
- 3 ½ cups all purpose flour
- ¾ cup butter
- ⅓ cup sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¾ cup mini chocolate chips
- 2 1.4 ounce bars toffee bars such as Heath, coarsely broken
- 8 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
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Preheat the oven to 425˚F. Spray 8 mini tart pans* (3½-4 inch) with baking spray. Set tart pans on a parchment lined baking sheet. Set aside.2. Combine flour and butter in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse 8-10 times till butter is incorporated. Mixture should look like coarse meal.
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In a medium bowl combine sugars, salt, baking powder, baking soda. Stir to blend. Add to the food processor and pulse 3-4 more times till combined.
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Empty into a large bowl and make a well in the center. Add buttermilk, egg and vanilla. Stir to make a fairly stiff dough. You may need to add just a bit more buttermilk to be able to incorporate all of the dry ingredients.
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Stir in the chocolate chips.
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Using a large ice cream scoop or large spoon, scoop 8 even mounds into tart pans. Press into pans just a bit so dough is almost to edges of pans.
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For the topping, whisk egg white with a fork in a medium bowl until foamy (this will take about 1 minute). Brush each scone with the egg white. Distribute the chocolate chips and toffee bar pieces evenly over the scones. Gently press chips and toffee pieces to adhere to surface of scone batter.
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Bake for 16-18 minutes or until lightly browned. Lower oven temperature if scones appear to be browning too quickly. Allow to cool on baking sheets for 10-15 minutes. Transfer to wire racks to cool and dust with powdered sugar, if desired.
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* ~ custard cups will also work and clean, dry, empty tuna cans work perfect as well.
* ~ custard cups will also work and clean, dry, empty tuna cans work perfect as well.
Mr. & Mrs. P says
What a cute idea!!! The girls are so cute Chris!!! What wonderful memories they are going to have..
Sandra Lee says
I always enjoy seeing pictures of the girls they are adorable. Our children are all adults now and when they are all home it is a nonstop party. When they were home in July I convinced them to have a sack race. It was 90 degrees but they did it anyway. Absolutely hilarious!!
thepaintedapron.com says
Your energy abounds! I love your idea, but I could never get up and have a middle of the night party! What a wonderful tradition, memory and lesson all rolled into one! The scones look VERY sinful and delicious, I am trying NOT to pin them!!
Jenna
Veronica Miller says
Oh I'm sooo glad the party happened this time and that they did indeed learn a lesson from the last failed party! Yay! Your scones are the perfect middle-of-the-night treat. They are so cute in their matching PJ's. 🙂 Great advice too!
Claire @ Claire K Creations says
I think I nearly shed a tear when the last party was cancelled. So glad this one went ahead. What a wonderful memory the girls will have. I can't wait to start all sorts of traditions with our bubba.
Chris just reading the title I nearly started drooling. These look a-ma-zing!
Laura says
Your middle of the night parties are inspirational! I want to do this with my grandkids, when I get them! What memories you create each and every time. Love it.
Tricia Buice says
Oh my Chris! Everything about this post is beautiful. I love the middle of the night parties, your beautiful grand-daughters, the scones (drool-drool) and the table setting - you rock!
Ms Lemon of Make Mine Lemon says
Your scones look delicious, but the girls distract me. I was trying to pick out the prettiest one, but couldn't decide. 🙂 They are so darn cute, oh, and the stories they will have to tell.
Angie Schneider says
These scones look outrageously delicious!
Pam says
You are such an awesome grandma!! I will be doing this for my kids sometime soon. What wonderful memories you are creating! Thanks for the idea.
The scones look so decadent and delicious - perfect for the Middle of the Night Party.
twodogsinthekitchen says
The middle of the night parties are such a sweet and fun idea for the girls. I know they love it so much. To think that they will remember these times for the rest of their lives and maybe carry on the tradition is so neat! Glad this one got the "go ahead" and that all went well!
Kate says
I am happy to see that there was a Middle of the Night Party....it is so hard to cancel something that is loved by ALL! Your granddaughters look like sweethearts....adorable young ladies. The scones are extra special...toffee makes anything better...
bellini says
You know how to make the days special Chris. Loving the scones too. They seem so much easier than the traditional.
The Mom Chef says
Do you know that I smiled from ear-to-ear the whole time I read this? It's just that kind of warm-fuzzy story. I LOVE that you do this for your little ones. My dad used to get me up in the middle of the night so we could have ice cream together and it's a very special memory for me now. Your grand daughters will never, ever forget this.
You know, I don't even care if there's chocolate all over those scones, I want, I want, I want!
Cathy says
Ok Chris. We need to chat. My baking has been relegated to Saturdays. With all the great recipes you have posted here or on FB as reminders, I'm running out of Saturdays!!! But please don't stop! I'll figure something out. 😉
Chris Scheuer says
You're so funny Cathy!
Vicki Bensinger says
What a fun idea and something the grandmas will always remember. I don't have any yet but will certainly remember this for when I do. Your scones look beautiful and tasty and your grand daughters as always are precious!
Kim G. says
This is a really fun tradition you have with these so-cute girls:) They seem to have a lot of fun! And these scones looks really good!
Denise Browning@From Brazil To You says
What a fancy girls party, Chris!!! Your granddaughters are absolutely adorable!!!
And the scones: oh, my! I want to bite them every time that I look at the pictures...
Gerry @Foodness Gracious says
You are awesome and I love this idea!! It shows on the kids faces how much stuff like this will stay with them forever...
Jennifer@ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
I love your middle of the night parties, I think that is just sooooooo cute!!! Your scones look so good! Being 4am right now, I would love one of your scones for breakfast with my coffee!!
Chris Scheuer says
Wow Jennifer, you sure are an early bird! Wish you were my neighbor, I'd see your light on and run a scone over to you! Of course, we'd probably start chatting and sharing recipes and then we'd never get anything done! 🙂
Pondside says
What a great tradition! You know, we'd never, ever be able to get the wee boys to wake up in the middle of the night, but with two granddaughters now, perhaps there's a chance for this sort of fun. Regarding the scones - what a twist!
Ginny says
This is a BEAUTIFUL post! Your gorgeous girls in those super cute jammies, and the divine scones. And how really gorgeous and special it all is, even down to the tiny milk bottles, it is like a fairy party. They are very blessed to have you for their grandmother. I wish someone would have done this for me as a kid. And it also has the forbidden element of being able to get up in the middle of the night!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Ginny, I love that description; "a fairy party"!
Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl says
This is the best idea ever! It made me smile so much, what a fun party! I want a middle of the night party! 🙂
La Table De Nana says
I love seeing those adorable girls:-)
I ate dinner at our adorable boys home last night.
They would love this tradition.
Thanks for the great looking recipe..love in those molds..will try:-)
Cute presentation for their milk:-)
This Nana cannot discipline:-) she wants to be loved too much lol..
And don't you find at that age nothing seems that bad to nanas?:-)
I leave it all up to the parents..
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Monique! I do love that I don't have to be responsible for disciplining these kids most of the time. Just loving and spoiling them a bit 🙂
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
Such a fun tradition with your granddaughters and these scones need to become a tradition in my kitchen - they look scrumptious!