Spiced Ginger-Pear Scones - Buttery, Flaky, and Irresistible!

Spiced Ginger-Pear Scones – A Buttery, Flaky Treat with the Perfect Touch of Sweet & Spice!

 

Spiced Ginger-Pear Scones - Buttery, Flaky, and Irresistible!

There’s nothing quite like the warm, buttery goodness of homemade scones, and these Spiced Ginger-Pear Scones take things to the next level! Delicately flavored with juicy pears and a touch of sweetness, these scones get a little kick from crystallized ginger, creating the perfect balance of warmth and spice. With a golden, flaky texture that rivals any bakery-style treat, they’re an irresistible addition to your breakfast or brunch spread. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to prepare—using my go-to scone recipe with just a few flavorful add-ins!

These scones are perfect for spring brunches, cozy Sunday breakfasts, or an afternoon pick-me-up with a cup of coffee or tea. Whether you're hosting friends or simply treating yourself, they bring a hint of elegance to any occasion without requiring hours in the kitchen. The combination of tender pears and spicy-sweet ginger makes them feel special yet approachable—an ideal bake for both seasoned scone lovers and beginners alike.

So why should you make these? Because they’re simple, bakery-worthy, and full of flavor! The buttery layers create the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth experience, while the fruity, spiced notes make each bite truly memorable. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven with a drizzle of honey or served alongside your favorite tea, these Spiced Ginger-Pear Scones are bound to become a new favorite in your baking routine!

What Ingredients do I need?

Pantry Staples

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt

Dairy

• Butter (unsalted)
• Whole milk
• Eggs

Produce

• Pears (ripe but firm)  I used D'Anjou pears

Baking Add-Ins

• Crystallized ginger

Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions

• Flour Substitutes:  Whole wheat flour (use half whole wheat, half all-purpose for a heartier texture)

• Sugar Substitutes:  Brown sugar (for a deeper, caramel-like flavor), Coconut sugar (for a less refined option), Sugar Substitute (for a lower carb version)

• Milk Substitutes:  Heavy cream (for an even richer scone), Buttermilk (adds a slight tang and tender texture)

Variations

• Maple Pecan Pear Scones:  Swap the crystallized ginger for chopped pecans,  Add 1-2 tbsp maple syrup to the dough for extra warmth, Drizzle with a maple glaze (powdered sugar + maple syrup + a touch of milk)

• Chai-Spiced Pear Scones:  Add ½ tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp cardamom, and a pinch of cloves for a chai-inspired flavor.  Substitute brown sugar for a deeper sweetness,  Serve with honey butter for a cozy treat.

• Lemon Ginger-Pear Scones:  Add 1 tbsp fresh lemon zest to the dough for a bright citrusy twist, Swap the milk for buttermilk to enhance tanginess, Drizzle with a lemon glaze (powdered sugar + lemon juice).  

• Honey Almond Pear Scones:  Replace crystallized ginger with toasted sliced almonds, Use honey instead of sugar for a natural sweetness, Top with a light honey drizzle after baking.

Kitchen Tips and Notes

• Keep Ingredients Cold:  Use cold butter straight from the fridge and cut it into the flour quickly to create flaky layers. You can even freeze the butter and grate it for even distribution.

• Don’t Overmix the Dough:  

  Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined—overworking the dough can make the scones tough instead of tender.

• Handle the Dough Gently:  When kneading, use a light touch—just enough to bring the dough together.  Press the dough straight down with the biscuit cutter rather than twisting it—this helps the scones rise evenly.

• For Extra Flakiness:  After cutting, place the unbaked scones in the freezer for 10–15 minutes before baking. This chills the butter again, resulting in better layers.

• Serving & Storage:  Best served warm, fresh out of the oven with butter, honey, or jam.  Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage. Reheat in a 300°F oven for a few minutes.

    EQUIPMENT YOU MAY NEED    

• Large mixing bowl – for combining dry and wet ingredients

• Pastry cutter – to cut in the cold butter for a flaky texture

• (Optional) Box Grater – Instead of cutting butter in with a pastry cutter, freeze the butter and grate it with a box grater for quick, even distribution.

• Measuring cups & spoons – for accurate ingredient portions

• Whisk – for mixing the dry ingredients and whisking the egg

• Biscuit cutter – to shape the scones

• Baking sheet – for placing the scones before baking

• Parchment paper – to prevent sticking and ensure even baking

• Cooling rack – to cool the scones slightly before serving

• (Optional) Bench Scraper – Perfect for lifting and shaping dough without sticking to your hands. Also great for cleaning up flour from your work surface!

• (Optional) Fluted Biscuit Cutter – Gives your scones a bakery-style look with beautifully crimped edges.

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Spiced Ginger-Pear Scones 

yield:   18 scones

3 cups all purpose flour

3 tbsp sugar

1/2 tsp salt

4 tsp baking powder

3/4 cup butter (cold)

1 egg

1 cup whole milk

1 1/2 pears, peeled and small diced

1/3 +1/4 cup crystallized ginger 

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Add the dry ingredients to a large bowl and combine.

Using a pastry cutter cut cold butter into flour mixture until there are pea-sized pieces of butter throughout.  Add the milk, egg, pear and ginger and mix just until combined. 

Remove the dough to a generously floured work surface and knead just until it comes together. Pat the dough out to 3/4 - 1 inch thickness and cut with a biscuit cutter.  

Place the scones on a baking sheet and bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until golden brown on top.  Remove from the oven and allow to cool on a wire rack for several minutes.  Serve warm.

Zesty Southwest Turkey & Rice Skillet – Easy, Cheesy, & Loaded with Flavor!

 A one-skillet Southwest sensation—savory turkey, vibrant veggies, and melty cheese come together for an easy, flavor-packed meal the whole family will love!

Zesty Southwest Turkey & Rice Skillet – Easy, Cheesy, & Loaded with Flavor!

If you're looking for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner, this Zesty Southwest Turkey & Rice Skillet is about to become your new favorite go-to meal! I first came across a similar version of this dish on another food blog, and the vibrant mix of ingredients immediately caught my attention. The combination of lean ground turkey, colorful veggies, bold spices, and melty cheese seemed like the perfect way to bring a Southwest-inspired dish to my table. After trying it, I was completely hooked! The flavors are absolutely mouthwatering, and best of all, it comes together in just 30 minutes with only one pan—making cleanup a breeze.

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something satisfying but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Everything cooks in a single skillet, layering flavors as you go, so you get a rich, well-seasoned meal without any extra hassle. The zucchini, corn, tomatoes, and green chiles add just the right amount of freshness and spice, while the Greek yogurt and Monterey Jack cheese create an irresistibly creamy finish. It’s a wonderful balance of savory, cheesy, and zesty goodness that the whole family will love.

Whether you're meal prepping for the week, feeding a hungry crowd, or just craving a cozy, flavor-packed dinner, this Southwest Turkey & Rice Skillet is the answer. It’s proof that wholesome, homemade meals don’t have to be complicated—sometimes, all you need is one pan, a handful of ingredients, and 30 minutes to create something truly spectacular!

What Ingredients do I need?

Proteins

• Lean ground turkey

Dairy

• Monterey Jack cheese
• Plain Greek yogurt

Produce

• Yellow onion
• Garlic
• Zucchini
• Tomatoes
• Cilantro (for garnish)

Canned Goods

• Diced green chiles
• Corn (canned or frozen)

Pantry Staples

• Long grain rice
• Olive oil
• Chili powder
• Ground cumin
• Salt & pepper

Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions

• Ground Turkey → Ground Chicken, Ground Beef, or Black Beans (for a vegetarian option)

• Monterey Jack Cheese → Cheddar, Pepper Jack, or Mexican Blend Cheese

• Plain Greek Yogurt → Sour Cream, Regular Yogurt, or Dairy-Free Yogurt

• Diced Green Chiles → Chopped Jalapeños, Bell Peppers, or a Dash of Hot Sauce

• Long Grain Rice → Brown Rice, Quinoa, Cauliflower Rice (for a low-carb option), or Couscous

Variations

• Tex-Mex Black Bean & Corn Skillet (Vegetarian):  Swap the ground turkey for black beans or pinto beans.  Add diced bell peppers for extra crunch.  Use pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.

• Southwest Quinoa & Chicken Skillet (Protein-Packed):  Use diced or shredded chicken instead of ground turkey.  Swap the rice for quinoa for a higher-protein option.  Stir in baby spinach at the end for extra greens.

• Spicy Chorizo & Rice Skillet (Bold & Flavorful):  Replace the ground turkey with chorizo for a smoky, spicy twist.  Add smoked paprika for even deeper flavor.  Use cotija cheese instead of Monterey Jack for a more authentic touch.

Kitchen Tips and Notes

• Use Pre-Cooked Rice for Speed – To keep this a true 30-minute meal, use leftover rice or pre-cooked rice packs.

• Brown the Turkey for More Flavor – Let the ground turkey develop some golden brown bits before stirring. This adds a richer, more savory depth to the dish.

• Customize the Spice Level – Want more heat? Add cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños. Prefer it mild? Stick to just the chili powder and cumin.

• Make It a Meal Prep Favorite – This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheats easily, making it great for meal prep. Add a splash of broth or salsa when reheating to keep it moist.

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Zesty Southwest Turkey & Rice Skillet 

serves 4-6

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound lean ground turkey
1/2 cup diced yellow onion
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin

salt & pepper to taste

1 clove garlic, minced
1 large zucchini, diced
4 oz. can diced green chiles
1/2 cup corn
1 cup diced tomato
2 cups cooked long grain rice
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
cilantro, chopped (garnish)

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the skillet is hot swirl the oil to coat the bottom and add in the ground turkey, onion, chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper. Cook, crumbling the meat until meat is no longer pink.

 
Add in the garlic, green chiles, zucchini, corn and tomato. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the zucchini is tender.

Add in the cooked rice and 1/2 cup of the cheese. Stir everything together until heated through and the cheese is melted.

Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the Greek yogurt and then top with the remaining cheese.  Cover with a lid for a few minutes to melt the cheese.  Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve.

adapted from Recipe Runner

One-Skillet Steak Bites with Sweet Potatoes & Peppers – A 30-Minute Masterpiece!

A sizzling one-skillet meal packed with tender steak, sweet potatoes, and crisp bell peppers—Whole30-friendly, bursting with flavor, and ready in just 30 minutes!

 

One-Skillet Steak Bites with Sweet Potatoes & Peppers – A 30-Minute Masterpiece!

If you're looking for a quick, flavorful, and nutritious meal that comes together in just 30 minutes, this One-Skillet Steak Bites with Sweet Potatoes & Peppers – A 30-Minute Masterpiece! is your new go-to recipe. Juicy, seared steak bites pair perfectly with caramelized sweet potatoes and crisp bell peppers, all tossed in a savory garlic-infused soy glaze. It’s the perfect combination of hearty, wholesome, and absolutely delicious—all made in just one pan for minimal cleanup!

Not only is this dish incredibly easy to make, but it’s also packed with nutrients and fits a variety of diets. The protein-rich steak and fiber-filled sweet potatoes create a balanced meal, while bell peppers add a fresh, vibrant crunch. If you're following Whole30, paleo, or gluten-free eating, a simple swap of coconut aminos for soy sauce makes this dish fully compliant. Plus, it’s versatile—great for a quick weeknight dinner, meal prep, or even an impressive yet effortless dish for entertaining.

With just one pan and a handful of simple ingredients, this 30-minute meal is a true lifesaver for busy days. A quick pre-cook of the sweet potatoes in the microwave ensures they’re tender without extra stovetop time, while the steak sears to perfection in minutes. The result? A bold, satisfying, and nourishing dish that proves healthy eating can be both effortless and crave-worthy. Whether you’re feeding the family or making a solo dinner, this skillet meal will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation!

Enjoy!

What Ingredients do I need?

Produce

• Sweet potatoes
• Bell peppers (any color)
• Garlic

Meat

• Sirloin steak

Pantry

• Olive oil
• Soy sauce (or coconut aminos for Whole30)
• Kosher salt
• Cracked black pepper

Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions

• Sirloin Steak - try flank, NY strip, or Ribeye

• Bell Peppers - Zucchini or mushrooms (for a different veggie option)

• Soy Sauce - Coconut aminos (for Whole30 or gluten-free)

• Garlic - Garlic powder (if fresh garlic isn’t available)

Variations

• Steak Fajita Style - Ingredients: Add sliced onions, extra bell peppers (different colors), and a pinch of cumin, chili powder, and paprika.

• Balsamic Steak & Veggies - Ingredients: Swap soy sauce for balsamic vinegar and drizzle the cooked dish with a little balsamic glaze.

• Mediterranean-Inspired - Ingredients: Replace the soy sauce with lemon juice, and add olives, cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of oregano and feta cheese at the end.

• Sweet & Spicy Teriyaki - Ingredients: Swap soy sauce for teriyaki sauce, and add a dash of sriracha for a spicy kick.

• Lemon Herb Steak & Veggies - Ingredients: Swap soy sauce for lemon juice and season the dish with fresh thyme or rosemary.

Kitchen Tips and Notes

Perfect Steak Bites

• Let the steak come to room temperature before cooking. This helps ensure even cooking and a nice sear.
• Pat the steak dry with paper towels before cooking. This helps achieve a better sear since excess moisture can cause it to steam rather than brown.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing the steak. If needed, cook the steak in batches to ensure it gets a nice caramelized crust. Overcrowding can cause it to steam instead of sear.

Pre-Cook Sweet Potatoes

• Microwave the sweet potatoes to speed up cooking time. Cooking them just until they’re slightly tender gives them a perfect texture when browned in the pan.
• Dice the sweet potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate. Larger chunks will take longer, while smaller ones will cook faster.

Add Fresh Herbs or Acidity

• Fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or thyme can brighten up the dish when sprinkled on top just before serving.
• A squeeze of lemon or lime juice at the end helps to balance the richness of the steak and sweet potatoes and adds a refreshing note.

Suggested Side Dishes:  

• Simple Green Salad – A crisp side salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the steak.

• Quinoa or Brown Rice – Adds extra fiber and makes the meal more filling.

• Farro or Bulgur – Nutty and chewy grains that pair well with the steak’s savory flavors.

• Chimichurri Sauce – A vibrant herby sauce that pairs beautifully with steak.

• Crusty Bread – A slice of sourdough or a toasted baguette is great for soaking up any extra juices.

   EQUIPMENT YOU MAY NEED   

• Large Skillet or Cast-Iron Pan – A heavy-bottomed skillet (preferably cast iron) helps achieve a great sear on the steak and evenly cooks the vegetables.

• Cutting Board – You’ll need one for dicing the steak, sweet potatoes, and bell peppers. Consider using separate boards for meat and vegetables to avoid cross-contamination.

• Sharp Knife – A good-quality chef’s knife makes chopping and dicing much easier.

• Tongs or Spatula – Tongs are great for flipping the steak bites, while a spatula helps stir the veggies without breaking them apart.

• Measuring Spoons – For accurately measuring the olive oil, soy sauce, and seasonings.

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One-Skillet Steak Bites with Sweet Potatoes and Bell Peppers

serves 4

1 large sweet potato, diced into 1″ pieces
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 lb sirloin steak, diced into 1″ pieces
3 tablespoon olive oil, divided
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 bell peppers, seeded and diced into 1″ pieces
2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
2 tablespoon soy sauce


Place the diced sweet potatoes into a microwave safe bowl, then sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt. Cover with a plate and microwave on high until just barely tender, 4-6 minutes stirring halfway through.  You want the potatoes just so you can pierce one with the tip of a knife with a little resistance.  You don't want them too cooked or they will turn out mushy. 

Heat a large skillet over high heat. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and heat until shimmering. Add the steak in a single layer. Cook, turning every so often like stir frying, until browned, about 6 minutes. Remove the steak to a plate or baking sheet.  Set aside.

 
Reduce the heat to medium-high and add another tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the sweet potatoes, tossing to coat and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, 3-4 minutes.  Add the bell pepper, stirring occasionally until crips tender, about 3-4 minutes.  Add the garlic and stir to combine.  

Add the steak and juices back to the pan along with the soy sauce. Toss all ingredients and cook an additional 1- 2 minutes until the liquid has evaporated.