The Marriage of Charles II And Catherine of Braganza

I recommend all 3 biographies as scholarly in understanding history. The middle bio is drier; while the 2 books on the ends explain Charles II's character and are written with more flair. Don't let the "King's Bed" title fool you into thinking it is not a serious bio. Paramours are expertly fleshed out and connected to explain the King, events, and the royal court.

Recently I found myself back in Stuart England. My desire was to learn more about the life of Catherine of Braganza, who married King Charles II, becoming the Queen of England. Unable to find a comprehensive biography on her, I turned to bios of the King.

What a complicated royal court the new Queen found herself joining and was powerless to change. It would not be wrong to say, Charles II was a rake, a predator with royal pimps and powerful mistresses, and yet, unlike the bloodthirsty Tudor kings (such as Henry VIII), he had something of a heart. Although he neglected his wife too often, when necessary, Charles II also protected her (from statesmen in the realm who hated her due to her Catholicism). What's more, the King refused to divorce his Queen because she couldn't produce an heir, as well as, recognized and took care of his 12 illegitimate children by 7 of his (I lost count!) powerful mistresses. He gave each a title, property, and wealth* [funded from taxes and bribes paid by France's Louis XIV via an ultra-secret treaty].

I have no idea how Queen Catherine coped with her flawed husband who lived (his princely, then kingly) life exactly as he pleased. When first married, she tried to object, but couldn't change the libertine life that characterized the Stuart court at Whitehall, so she had no choice but to accept and make the best of her humiliating circumstances.

King Charles II was a 17th century Don Draper, a cad, who you still like (in spite of yourself) ... I suppose because you see him as debauched, but not evil. After a happy start in life, followed by the beheading of his father, Charles I, he was one of the few kings to live outside the privileged walls of a castle, without money, position, or stability and among the local folk before the Restoration of the English Monarchy in 1660. As the restored King of England, Scotland and Ireland, he was generous, charming, self-deprecating, well-intentioned, and had unfailingly good manners. He became a popular king in England. He had flashes of temper or coldness but usually could control it. Unlike some kings, he wasn't petty, nor vindictive. He loved reading unflattering criticism about himself and laughed along with it.

May 29, 1630 - February 6, 1685

For all his faults, Charles II is difficult to hate. There are times the King showed genuine courage, decency and loyalty. Author Christina Croft shared the following with me: "I recall one book about her [Queen Catherine] that portrayed so beautifully her terror that she was about to be arrested for her beliefs [Catholicism]. She was led before the King and, to her amazement and that of the court, he stepped down and took her hand in a show of affection and solidarity. It was very moving to read ... that one episode enabled me to forgive all his misdemeanors!! I also like the way he threw off his jacket and got to work with all the other people trying to put out the Great Fire of London [1666]."

Charles II had a soft spot for his illegitimate children, another of his admirable traits. Unlike the later Hanovers, the Stuart Kings loved and were attentive to their children.

Still your heart goes out to the sheltered, convent-raised Portuguese Princess who left her home to become his Queen, and you wonder what might have been ... without all the stress and nonsense of the Stuart court. Portugal sent a very classy daughter to England. She was intelligent, religious, kind and fun-loving when given a chance. She had a talent for acting, dancing and athletics. Catherine of Braganza is credited with introducing the practice of drinking tea in England. Charles II grew fond of her, and she remained devoted to him, despite the fact he was never at any time faithful to her. Not only did he have multiple courtesans and casual flings, his serious mistresses along with their bastard children were flaunted within his court, as well as, openly in public. His philandering brought sadness and isolation into her life.

November 25, 1638 - December 31, 1705

Queen Catherine had 4 miscarriages and stillborn children. Nobody can really know why she couldn't carry her babies to term, but as it turns out, the Queen was given quinine by 17th-century doctors, which is known to cause miscarriages. Also, the stress of having powerful wenches and their bastards in her face; the worry of being tossed out by divorce; and having little say in her own court, couldn't have helped matters in the least. Then there were the sexually transmitted diseases, including syphilis the King and his French mistress, Louise deKèrouaille (who caught "the pox" from him), were known to have been treated for in 1674. Miraculously the Queen is not known to have contracted the disease. 

But could she have caught other viruses affecting childbearing? We will never know ... but perhaps Charles II's hedonism was a factor in his own lack of a legitimate heir. He alone was responsible for his lubricious court. Queen Catherine remained a treasure ... her integrity and benevolence intact. It is speculated that the King never divorced his Queen partially out of guilt.

The book, The Kings Bed, depicts Charles II as a clever and shrewd King, but mentions that some historians reason, he was "a man who never truly grew up" ... perhaps "his problems stemmed from the violent death of his father and the subsequent years of his enforced exile." The King's "contemporaries agreed, his time in France [in the court of his cousin Louis XIV] corrupted him." Modern psychiatrist Dr. Paul Harlow thinks Charles suffered from "arrested emotional development stuck irredeemably in adolescence," listing several symptoms, including his "avoidance of emotional mature relationships and the need for endless female couplings ... In his formative years he lost the close contact of a mature male figure, leading him to 'Don Juan syndrome,' a condition in which a man fails to take charge of his life in an adult, mature way," notes Dr. Harlow. Also, toss in the factor: As absolute ruler, Charles received a pass from the expectation of following normal, social behavior. Accepting moral responsibility for his pleasure dome lifestyle "didn't come into play."

According to the same book, Charles isn't viewed as a psychopath as "he enjoyed life too much and engaged in it too well to be a psychopath." Moreover, the authors observe: "Whatever his failings ... Charles carried himself well enough throughout his life, usually with good humor and with a good word for the humblest of his subjects, though he cared little about them. ... Generally speaking, as long as he got his way, he was congeniality itself."

Furthermore, his erotic and parasitic behavior cut the monarchy down to size. For his subjects, it "broke the spell" of the idea of divine monarchy. Majesty -- or ''greatness of God" was forever after seen as less majestic and more human.

On Queen Catherine's final visit to her husband's deathbed in 1685, she was overcome with grief and tears. The Queen half-fainted in response to his suffering, as well as, his tenderness towards her and had to be carried back to her own rooms. She sent back a note asking Charles to forgive her if she had ever offended him. To which the dying King replied, "Poor woman, she begs my pardon! I beg hers with all my heart."

Here again, you wonder what might have been. The actor, Jon Hamm who played and knew Don Draper so well, always maintained that while his character was distinguished in his professional life, he was a coward in his private life. Was Charles II a coward also? 

A question scholars always ask is: What of his early promise went unfulfilled, due to his duplicity and need of a huge purse?

If Charles had put his energy into what should have been his most important intimate relationship, his marriage (and cared more about statesmanship) in lieu of a pleasure-seeking court, what an influential team the outwardly Protestant King and his capable Catholic Queen might have been in England at a time of fierce religious intolerance. Perhaps, just perhaps the Stuarts would be remembered as the dynasty that brought the country back together ... and is it possible the Stuarts would still be sitting on the throne today? We can only wonder.

As head of the Church of England, King Charles II was a pragmatist. In private, he sympathized with the religion so many of the people around him (his mother, Queen, brother, James, his courtesans) followed. On his deathbed, he willingly converted to Catholicism. He died bravely, remaining congenial to the end. The cause of death was perhaps a stroke ... more probably kidney disease, but possibly accidental mercury poisoning from experiments in his windowless lab at Whitehall.

Later in life ... years after the Glorious Revolution of William and Mary (1688), the widowed Catherine of Braganza returned to Portugal to successfully act as regent for her brother, Peter II ... where she died in 1705.👑


*Charles gave his mistresses the rights to the proceeds from certain government taxes collected or the King's pardons. For example, Louise deKèrouaille got the money from prisoners who paid bribes to be pardoned - a practice at the time. Many were in jail because they couldn't pay their debts. If they couldn't pay her, she then sold the prisoners into indentured servitude for $3 - $12 a head, and they were shipped off to Virginia as slaves effectively, making her and her descendants rich.

At times mistresses, Barbara Villiers and Louise deKèrouaille, were able to crush politicians who dared to criticize their influence on the King, then were given their properties (now lost to the heirs of the ousted men). They broke the property up and sold it increasing their own wealth. Barbara Villiers "borrowed" jewelry from the Crown, but in her hands, the pieces became gifts. Charles II did nothing, so Queen Catherine was powerless.

Interesting fact: Prince William will be the 1st direct descendant ever of Charles II -- 350 years later -- to sit on the British throne. His mother, Diana Princess of Wales was a direct descendant of 2 rival mistresses: Barbara Villiers and Louise deKèrouaille. Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, and Sarah, Duchess of York are also direct descendants of Charles II through Louise deKèrouaille. It's one big happy illegitimate family! But we're cool with Prince William and company. Heaven forbid if we never let bygones be bygones and had to atone for all our ancestors. Hopefully, we can look at history without judging innocent people who try to live meaningful lives.


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Lilysilk Clothing, Bedding And Accessories

Natural fabrics rule as they are stylish, comfortable, durable and often affordable. Lilysilk offers silk dry goods, including clothing (like tops, dresses, trousers and blazers); accessories (such as scarves, under garments, or hair ties) and bedding (for example pillowcases, sheets and bedspreads).

Lilysilk also sells a smattering of cashmere and wools.

By definition, a savvy shopper is a curated buyer, so lacking a Paris Hilton trust fund, each of us must decide how to spend our money. In my case, I'd add a lovely silk blouse, dress, blazer, or scarf to my wardrobe; but forgo the expense of silk pillowcases, sheets, or pajamas, in other works, items needing frequent washings. I'm fine with cotton PJ's and bedding I can mindlessly machine wash and dry; but, will spring for a versatile piece of clothing such as a brazer to pair with all my trousers for work or dress-up. But everybody is different, so know your own budget and needs!

In addition to quality merchandise that customers love, the retailer provides excellent customer service: from fast deliveries; to lovely packaging and presentation. Also  customizing certain wares like pillowcases is available.

Lilysilk as a fabulous place to go for a wardrobe staple, splurge or special gift.


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Elie Tahari Women's Apparel Fall 2019

Elie Tahari Dominica Zebra Print Dress

I got invited to an Elie Tahari "Meet and Greet" at Bloomingdales, so I went. There was a short runway show at the end of an interview between the designer and journalist Katie Couric. We learned during the interview that Elie Tahari came to Manhattan in 1971 with $100 in his pocket after serving in the Israeli army because he loved the energy of the city. Where would a melting pot like America be without the energy, creativity and dreams of its immigrants? For better or worst, Tahari is the designer who came up with the tube top.😱 

A few of my favorite frocks from the evening's fashion show are the following👠👗🎩:

The Yenet Skirt on the left is a scene stealer IMO ... fancy and fun. And, the Elissa Sequined Snakeskin Print dress on the right is timeless. It hung slightly longer in length on the leggy model, as well as, on the rack, which is a good thing.

Stud Trim Faux Suede Fit and Flare Dress

Although brown isn't my best color, I like the Dominica Zebra Print Dress (top photo) very much. The (above) Stud Trim Faux Suede Fit and Flare Dress in black is a better color on me. The style of the dress is universally flattering on everybody.

Here are a couple of snaps from the evening: The 1st photo is the interview with the designer to the left and Ms. Couric, who sits on the right. The 2nd photo shows a quick flash of a model wearing a silver evening gown.

Looks like black will never go out of style, nor will animal/snake prints!

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Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Collection

Olay makes anti-aging skincare as good as the luxe brands for less. In fact, with the advanced anti-aging ingredients contained in elixirs from The Ordinary, as well as, other drugstore brands, including L'Orèal and Neutrogena, there is no real need to spend big bucks elsewhere. Not only do drugstore brands start at lower price points, they also go on sale for additional savings!

The Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Collection contains the bonafide ingredients that science says work. The collection hydrates, brightens, evens out skin tone, minimizes pores and smooths the appearance of fine lines and winkles by using a combination of retinol, retinue propionate and vitamin B3. The formula is created to deeply penetrate the skin and encourage quicker skin cell turnover with less irritation.

Do we need more retinol youth lotions and potions on the beauty market? Yes ... yes, we do! Why? Because ... consumers win: More product, competition, selection and savings!

The Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Collection consists of 3 items:

1) Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Moisturizer - Contains retinol, vitamin B3 (a hydrator) and amino peptides. Hydrates the top layer of skin. Apply after serum.

2) Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Serum - Has retinol, vitamin B3 and amino peptides. Serums have smaller molecules and the ability to penetrate deeper layers of skin, the reason we use them. Apply before a moisturizing cream.

3) Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Eye Cream - Contains retinol, vitamin B3 and amino peptides for the sensitive skin around the eyes.

Even at drugstore prices, the cost of skincare adds up. For that reason I recommend buying the serum and moisturizer, but the eye cream only if you have sensitive skin under your eyes requiring a separate cream. The Night Moisturizer is unscented, so many people tolerate it to treat and moisturize their entire face, including the more delicate skin around their eyes.

Bring it on Olay, the more anti-aging skincare the better!

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NARS & NUDESTIX For Everyday Wear

Nudes are popular for a reason. Wear them to look natural, yet polished ... like yourself only better. Most of my makeup falls into the nude camp. The attraction is intense! At times I buy a lipstick ... in what I think is a beautiful new shade ... get it home only to discover I own one that is nearly a dead ringer. A gorgeous nude has that kind of power over me: Sitting on a shelve in a shop looking so gorgeous, I'll buy it again! (However I'm watching this tendency and am committed to finishing what I have before bringing more home.:)

Nudes are for everyday wear, and what I like most: A nude color palette is low maintenance compared to bold, bright colors like reds or pinks. Nudes will still look great 8 hours later. You won't have to touch up your makeup as often. Enhance your features using nudes and forget about it.

The new Makeup Your Mind NARS palette is a collection of nudes with pizazz. There's sparkle and shimmer in the shades. The nude palette consists of: 3 blushes, 8 eye shadows and a simmering bronzing powder. All are blendable for high impact looks. At $49 (at NARS), it's a worthy splurge.

If looking for a handy, dandy lip color kit, it's here. NUDESTIX just dropped one that includes 3 highly pigmented lip+cheek pencil-crayons: one matte, one cream, and one gel. Containing a super moisturizing formula without stickiness, they come in a sleek mini tin with a mirror and a sharpener. When reasonably priced, I will buy a mini set of an otherwise pricey brand. If not overpriced, you appreciate how the minis fit conveniently into a purse. (But if a ripoff, make space to carry a full size, or find a knockoff brand). Cost of the lip/cheek kit: $25.

When it comes to makeup don't go naked, go nude!

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Pecan Cinnamon Coffee Cake Streusel

With fall arriving on the Western hemisphere, I began to crave a generous slice of coffee cake paired with a delicious, oversized cup of coffee on weekend mornings. But my rule is if I eat such treats, mostly I must make them myself. 

Otherwise I could balloon up to 300 pounds, and thus the reason for my rule: I can eat anything I want as long as I'm willing to make it myself! Make sense? Stops mindless eating. Homemade is often better ... and involves more time.

A browse of my blog's cakes and pastry recipes tells you I like sweets containing cinnamon and nuts. So America's Test Kitchen's Pecan Cinnamon Coffee Cake Streusel hits the cinnamon-nuts spot!  

Since you can watch the recipe being made for free online by registering, I think I can post the ingredients below, plus mention -- the (1) streusel topping and (2) cake batter are made separately blended in a food processor. It is necessary to mix the ingredients in the exact order listed with 4-5 pulses of a food processor. Do not over pulse, nor add ingredients out-of-order in this recipe, or what should be a light and fluffy coffee cake will form glutton resulting in a tough cake. And nobody wants to eat that!

America's Test Kitchen's Pecan Cinnamon Coffee Cake Streusel

Ingredients for the streusel topping:

Toss into a food processor --

1 cup of toasted pecans
1/3 cup brown sugar
🥮 Pulse 4-5 times in food processor
1/2 cup all purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
🥮 Pulse 4-5 times in food processor again. Set aside.

Ingredients for the cake batter:

Toss into a food processor --

1 2/3 cups all purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
🥮 Pulse 4-5 times in food processor

The spring form pan I own.

7 tablespoons of soften butter
🥮 Pulse 8-10 times in food processor

Directions:

1) Watch America's Test Kitchen's video as a thank you to them for creating the recipe for us!

2) After watching ATK, you can return here to my cheat sheet for the ingredients. I watched and jotted them down for you and me to return to time and again.:)

3) You will see how the bakers of America's Test Kitchen pour the cake batter into a 9'' spring form pan.

4) The topping is added from the outer edges first, followed by pouring it in the middle. That way the middle doesn't sink with streusel leaving uneven topping on the edges.

5) Bake at 350 degrees F for 55 - 60 minutes. Wait for the coffee cake to cool before you cut and eat it.

Undoubtedly, you can make the coffee cake with an electric mixer, but ATK made the job quicker with guaranteed light and fluffiness if you follow their directions exactly. 

You can watch AKT for other excellent recipes also!


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SIRUM Aims To Save Lives With Unused Medicine

Occasionally my doctor gives me a prescription for medicine, and sometimes I have some leftover. I know what not to do with it:

1) Don't stop taking the medicine just because you feel better unless your doctor says it's OK. If she says take it as needed, you can stop when you no longer do. If she puts you on antibiotics for an ear infection, it's important to take it all.

2) Don't toss the extra medicine down the toilet, nor in the trash can, as it ends up in our waterways killing fish and harming the environment.

3) Don't take it upon yourself to share your medicine. You need to go to medical school and understand the medical history of another person to know what's safe.

So what should we do with unused medicine?

Recently I asked my pharmacist if New York state lets him redistribute unopened, unexpired medicine free of charge to patients in need who come in with a prescription they can't afford to fill. Not a surprise, the answer is no.

There is a conundrum in our country: 50 million people in the USA skip their medicine because they can't afford the cost. Moreover, it costs money to destroy medicine, and 70 of our waterways are polluted from pharmaceutical runoff.

Waste, waste, waste! But now there is a solution.

SIRUM (or Supporting Initiatives to Redistribute Unused Medicine), is an innovative website started by Stanford University students, which aims "to stop medication waste and save lives" by doing what my pharmacist cannot do. Accept donations from organizations, as well as, individuals and get it to the people who need, but can't afford to buy it.

The nonprofit venture has coordinated a network of medical, administrative and distribution facilities to collect, check, follow state regulations and redistribute the medicine safely and legally.

So whether you need medicine you can't afford, or have medicine you can donate, here is SIRUM's website (and a phone number: 650-488-7434 for questions) to get started.

It's been a goal of mine to find such a resource. So glad it exists!


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Color Sensational® Made For All Lipstick By Maybelline

Photo: The Today Show

Here's a heads up: There will be 3 blogs published this week. Stop by on Wednesday and Friday for more!

First up is Maybelline's recent launch of a new line of lipstick called  Made For All Lipstick by Color Sensational® that is created to be universally flattering on all skin tones. So if you wear lipstick, you can wear any of the 7 new shades!

Rich pigments, the lipstick is moist and creamy and looks fabulous on everybody, regardless of skin color, or undertones. They are 7 beautiful, classic colors also! Satin and matte lipsticks, the hues are a range of nude, pink, red and plum.

Maybelline calls their Color Sensational® Made For All Lipstick a game changer that takes the guesswork out of selecting lipstick. It's a makeup item that made Allure magazine's Best Of Beauty 2019 list; and customers give the formula and colors high ratings too.

Nudes are trendy and safe, but now women can break out of their comfort zones to try new shades of pinks, plums or reds! Go wild with confidence!

Photo: thehappysloths

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Target Celebrates 20 Years Of Design Collaborations

Isaac Mizrahi for Target silk dress

For 20 years Target has partnered with the likes of Isaac Mizrahi, Anna Sui, Zac Posen, Philip Lim, Lilly Pulitzer and others to launch their designer collections at budget-friendly prices. Clearly I'm a big fan! My 1st Liberty purchase of clothing was a 100% cotton Liberty of London for Target summer dress. Only $25, and I still wear it! Nice introduction, eh?

Italian designer Missoni for Target collaboration captures its trademark zigzag pattern.

Target's 20 years of Design For All launches in stores and online on September 14th -- two days away! -- with a curated collection of the past 20 years of  "collaborator" style.

Photo: Benjamin Lozovsky/BFA.com of Lilly Pulitzer For Target dresses

Target's collaborations make the innovative work of top designers accessible to the public by mass producing it. Customers can pick up some lovely things for their wardrobe, or home at a fraction of their usual cost. The quality may not be quite as rich as what lies in Bergdoff Goodman, but you pay much less for very decent quality. Offering good value for less is a fair tradeoff! Moveover, the goods last for years.

Michael Graves For Target's spinning whistle teakettle

I love the little number at the very top: an Isaac Mizrahi silk dress for $60 bucks! You are hard pressed to buy silk fabric to make the dress yourself for less!

Rodarte for Target for a night out on the town

I've spruced up today's blog with some of my favorites from Target's 20 Years of Design for All collection including: Lilly Pulitzer's Palm Beach floras, Missoni's teacups and Michael Graves teakettle. The Rodarte nylon frocks are dressy and edgy chic!

Thanks Target and partners for 2 decades of affordable style! Jointly you are the Edwin Markham of elite designer commerce: “He drew a circle that shut me out - Heretic, rebel, a thing to flout. But love and I had the wit to win: We drew a circle and took him In!”💋

20 Years of Design for All spans quite a big anniversary collection of wares! Take a look by clicking on the links provided. What are your favorites? What would you like to have in your closet and/or home for less?


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Florence by Mills Beauty From Millie Bobby Brown

Photo: getthegloss

Florence by Mills is a new line of skin care and makeup from generation Z (i.e., 15 year old actress) Millie Bobby Brown. The beauty products contain natural ingredients infused with vitamins and botanicas that are not tested on animals. They are targeted for teenagers, but all ages and skin types can use them. 

Sold at Boots in the UK and Ulta in the US at such affordable price points with good clean ingredients, they are worth putting on your radar! 

Although I always take note for whom products are formulated, when anyone can benefit ... use the brand. Sometimes it's only marketing. At other times, it simply means the beauty line is more gentle. For example, products created for young skin won't have heavy perfume. This brand is phthalate free, paraben free, sulfate free, artificial scent free; and it is good for universal skin!

What's more, I lean towards a fresh, natural look. I want to look like myself ... but my, enhanced, best self! You?

The light face tints, under eye concealers, cream blushes and lip glosses are worth a browse.

It's fantastic to have additional choices, budget-friendly prices and simple yet attractive packaging ... all bringing us back to what is truly important. What's inside: Products that work, sans wasteful packaging, or inflated costs to pay for fake, so called exclusive "luxuries."  The fact that Florence by Mills is sold at Boots and Ulta, retailers who run a ton of sales, means trying them for less is a must.

The future's Generation Z looks bright, no? Not to mention fresh and attractive!


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Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese Scones

Photos of scones: Delish

Many people like sweet scones (or snacks). I have a savory palate and love spicy, salt and cheese. The following cheesy scones, tweaked from King Arthur Flour, make a delicious breakfast or evening snack. 

Homemade is usually better, but who has time or the desire to spend hours in the kitchen? So like all the recipes on THE SAVVY SHOPPER, these scones are easy-peasey to make and bake:

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour (or 1 cup whole wheat and 1 cup all-purpose)

1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon baking powder

Photo: WiseGeek

5 tablespoons ice cold butter, diced
2 large eggs

1/3 cup buttermilk

1 cup chopped, extra 
sharp cheddar cheese (Extra sharp is the only way to go!:)
1 small (about 1/4 cup) onion (or scallion) chopped
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon hot sauce

Directions:

1) In a large mixing bowl, whisk the dry ingredients together: flour, salt and baking powder.

2) With your hands, quickly work in the ice cold, diced butter until you get a crumbly consistency. Try not to touch it too much. You want the butter to stay cold and in pieces (that's what's makes great scones, as well as, southern biscuits).

3) Mix in the eggs, buttermilk, Dijon mustard and hot sauce. I like spicy, but you may leave out the mustard or hot sauce if you wish.

4) Toss in the extra sharp cheddar and diced onion.

5) Sprinkle plenty of flour on a flat surface. Dump the dough onto a flat surface. Flatten and form a rectangle. Toss extra flour on the dough and your hands as needed.

Oh look, somebody ate half the batch.

6) Cut the flat rectangle into 5 squares, then cut those on half to form 10 triangles.

7) Transfer the triangle unbaked scones onto a buttered and floured prepared baking sheet. Optional: You can brush the tops with a little melted butter and/or sprinkle on more cheese, if you wish. Oh, ye'ah!

8) Bake for 20 - 25 minutes at 350 degrees F in a preheated oven until they begin to brown and the the scones are done. Remove from the oven and eat warm. 

9) Throw any leftovers into the freezer to reheat on another day. Later remove one or two and microwave for a minute to eat. Place a wet paper towel in the microwave to maintain moisture.

Cheddar cheese scones are perfect for a weekend brunch, no? Crusty on the outside, soft on the inside and melted cheese with every bite! Serve with Virgin or Bloody Marys, and your guests may never leave!


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