I had forgotten what the holidays smelled like til I made these scones. The aroma of pecans sautéing in butter or baking in custard for pecan pie is the essence of late December for me. But, summer also smells like pecans sautéing in butter because everyone knows the best flavor of ice cream is buttered pecan. I guess us Texans are just pecan eatin’ people. Bake these for a romantic Christmas morning before all the relatives come to your house, and enjoy them peacefully with coffee. Or, bake them the morning before a big Christmas shopping trip because they will comfort you as you drive all over town looking for the perfect gift for everyone on your list. You will miraculously not be annoyed at traffic, or stores that have not restocked their merchandise since Black Friday, or even the lady who pulls out the pepper spray in line (did y’all hear about that?). I promise they’ll keep a smile on your face til lunchtime. After lunch, though, you’re on your own. I recommend cupcakes.
