Crunchy Snacks to Satisfy Your Cravings: Oven-Roasted Celery Sticks with Jicama Slaw on Salep-Infused Scones

When it comes to satisfying those pesky cravings, nothing beats the combination of crunchy, flavorful snacks that tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. This recipe for Oven-Roasted Celery Sticks with Jicama Slaw on Salep-Infused Scones is not only delicious but also offers a unique twist that elevates simple ingredients into an extraordinary treat.

Ingredients

For the Oven-Roasted Celery Sticks

• 4 large celery stalks, washed and trimmed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Jicama Slaw

• 1 cup jicama, peeled and julienned
• 1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded
• 1/2 cup carrots, shredded
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
• Salt to taste

For the Salep-Infused Scones

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon salep powder (or substitute with ground almond)
• 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
• 3/4 cup buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon honey

Instructions

Preparing the Salep-Infused Scones

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and salep powder. Whisk until well mixed.
3. Cut in the Butter: Add the cold butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the buttermilk and honey. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Shape the Scones: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times. Pat into a circle about 1-inch thick. Cut into wedges or use a biscuit cutter for uniform shapes.
6. Bake the Scones: Place on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool slightly.

Preparing the Oven-Roasted Celery Sticks

1. Prepare Celery: Cut the celery stalks into 3-inch pieces.
2. Season: In a bowl, toss the celery with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Roast: Spread the seasoned celery on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes until tender and slightly crispy.

Making the Jicama Slaw

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the jicama, red cabbage, and carrots.
2. Dress the Slaw: In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, honey, cilantro, and salt. Pour over the slaw and toss to coat evenly.

Assembly

1. Plate the Scones: Start with a warm Salep-infused scone as your base.
2. Add Roasted Celery: Place a few pieces of the oven-roasted celery on top.
3. Top with Jicama Slaw: Generously spoon the jicama slaw over the celery and serve immediately.

Cooking Tips

• Selecting Celery: Choose firm, crisp celery stalks for the best crunch. Look for fresh green color without any blemishes.
• Jicama Substitutes: If you can’t find jicama, try using shredded apples or pears for a sweet crunch.
• Salep Alternatives: If you can’t find salep powder, ground almond or a mix of almond flour with a pinch of cinnamon can work as a substitute.

Serving Suggestions

These delectable scones can be served as an appetizer or as part of a light lunch. Pair with a refreshing beverage such as iced tea or a light sparkling water infused with citrus for a delightful experience.

Photography Ideas

Capture the essence of this recipe by photographing the vibrant colors of the jicama slaw against the golden brown scones and the green celery sticks. A top-down shot highlighting all components together will create a stunning visual.

Final Thoughts

This unique combination of flavors and textures makes the Oven-Roasted Celery Sticks with Jicama Slaw on Salep-Infused Scones a must-try for anyone looking to satisfy their crunchy snack cravings. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also offers a delightful balance of freshness and comfort.

For more inspiring recipes and cooking tips, consider exploring articles on seasonal produce or innovative snack ideas. With a little creativity, you can transform everyday ingredients into gourmet-style dishes that impress your family and friends.

Happy cooking!