Banana Maple Date Scones

If you grew up in Southern California, you’re probably no stranger to Hadley’s. It’s an institution out in the desert, and it’s synonymous with 1 thing — dates. When I was a kid, we’d drive out to Palm Springs, passing the dinosaurs off the 10 freeway, and stop off for a date shake. Medjool dates are wonderfully sweet and sticky and they’re amazing when whirled up with milk and vanilla ice cream in a blender. But my dates were headed to breakfast, in these banana maple date scones.

The original recipe actually comes from a vegan cookbook,Veganomicon. I’m not vegan, but I’m always interested in alternative ways to prepare things, and these seemed perfect for those mornings when you’re in the mood for something like a buttermilk biscuit but not for a full on butter assault. The texture on these little guys is closer to a drop biscuit and while I was concerned that a scant 1/4 cup of maple syrup wouldn’t be enough to really sweeten them, the dates do the job.