This simple and delicious recipe for Scones with Strawberry Butter is from Out to Brunch: At Mildred Pierce Restaurant by Donna Dooher and Claire Stubbs. I got this book after going to Mildred Pierce Restaurant for brunch a few years ago. The restaurant was named after the original movie which starred Joan Crawford and was recently remade for TV with Kate Winslet. It was a beautiful and ornately decorated restaurant with an innovative menu. For brunch they served dishes with names that were inspired by characters from the film like, "Huevos Monty" and "Mrs. Beiderhof's Pancakes". Shortly after my visit there, the restaurant closed. If I have my facts straight, I am pretty sure this was due to issues with releasing the space.
It eventually reopened in a different neighbourhood, with a more modern and minimalist aesthetic in its decor and a new name: Mildred's Temple Kitchen. I have only been to the newer location for dinner which was great. According to their website (www.templekitchen.com), their brunch menu seems to be similar from what I can recall. If you happen to be in the Liberty Village neighbourhood in Toronto, it is definitely worth checking out!
As for this particular recipe, the scones were crisp on the outside, with a fluffy interior. They have a pleasant hint of lemon which makes this typically dense treat seem lighter. Combined with the strawberry butter, you have a refreshing teatime treat that would be ideal in the spring and summer months. The butter can be made with any kind of fruit that is in season.
