The Scone Dough You Need Tucked Away In Your Freezer
Plus, gumbo season!
Friends, hi!
Winter here in Texas has eased in softly this year which means unseasonably warm days that have lulled me into thinking I’ve got it made, only to be followed by mornings that dip below freezing - noooo! These are the mornings when the dogs run back to bed after just a few moments outside first thing, and when I reach instinctively for my housecoat because honestly, it’s a piece of essential safety equipment in this old house. If you don’t own a warm housecoat this time of year, what you’re telling me is that your house has generous insulation and, I love that for you!
We’ve got a few freezing days ahead here in Bellville which really is nothing unusual for January, but it’s enough to make the oven feel like a very good idea and exactly why there’s a batch of scone dough tucked into the freezer and a pot of gumbo penciled into the plan.
At The Bakehouse, things have been slow and steady in the best way. My dining room table has quietly turned into a shared office for girlfriends who also work remotely. We’re going for small bits of community stitched together wherever we can find them.
I hope this finds you steady, taking January exactly as gently as you need. Now, let’s get to some scones.
In Case You Missed It
• We have located the January vibe and it is here: The Bakehouse Almanac, January 2026 (spoiler alert: the vibe is moisturized and hydrated with a slight glow thankyouverymuch!)
• Next weekend there will be a pot of this Chicken and Andouille Gumbo simmering on the stove. It’s a long simmering recipe and I think I’ll use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs instead of a whole chicken. If you’ve never made gumbo, this recipe is both approachable and legit.
• And if gumbo feels like too big of an ask, I highly recommend a comforting pot of Julia and Roger’s Jambalaya. This feeds a crowd and/or makes excellent leftovers with a fried egg for breakfast.
Take good care and stay warm, friends.
More from me soon!
xo Joy
I love the idea of work-from-home friends all working around the same kitchen table. That feels like the kind of energy we need right now. And the scones are jumping to the top of my "what to bake when avoiding tasks" list!
Thank you. I love scones, do not always feel like making a batch, to freeze a batch, brilliant idea. Can’t wait to try another one of your great recipes.