One of my absolute favorite places in Tampa is a small coffee shop, just around the corner from my office. Jet City Espresso is this fabulous hidden gem in South Tampa, owned by the lovely Jessica. If you didn’t know it was there, you might miss it! Jessica runs Jet City right out of her home! (She made sure that her house was zoned properly first!)
(photo courtesy of Meghann)
I cannot say enough great things about Jet City. Jess knows her coffee, so all of the drinks are outstanding. She also makes a variety of scones, ranging from savory to sweet, with a few Paleo options thrown in as well. My “go to” order is a tall, skinny Cafe Borgia and a rosemary goat cheese scone. The sweet drink paired with the savory scone is THE best way to start my day.
Cafe Borgia is the drink Jet City is known for!
What makes the Borgia so special you ask? Well, Jess doesn’t really broadcast the exact recipe, but the description on the menu gives you a good idea:
espresso, a touch of honey and orange blossom, steamed moo, fresh whipped cream, nutmeg and orange spritz!
There’s something about this combination of flavors that is just so comforting- and addicting! It’s dangerous for my wallet that I work so close to her shop!
The other day the thought crossed my mind to make scones inspired by the Borgia. I tossed around a few ideas in my head- Include chocolate covered espresso beans? Throw in some candied orange peel? Base the recipe on an cappuccino scone recipe, or just make some swaps in a cranberry orange recipe?
I settled on an chocolate chip espresso scone recipe and made the adjustments I thought necessary to make them more Borgia-like.
With the additions of orange blossom honey, orange zest, a dash of nutmeg and some chocolate covered espresso beans, I think I got pretty darn close to perfect.
I do still want to play with the recipe and maybe use some candied orange peel next time, and I think these would be stellar with some clotted cream, but I didn’t want to delay your enjoyment of this deliciousness! So, go out and make these asap- and if you’re in South Tampa, you must, must, must stop by Jet City and say hi to Jess! (and order a Borgia of course!)
Cafe Borgia Scones
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1/4 cup whole wheat flour
1 tablespoon plus 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 T orange blossom honey
1/8 tsp nutmeg (this is an estimate, I put in three dashes)
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
6 tablespoons chilled unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
1 tsp hot water
~1 T orange zest (this is an estimate, I zested most of the orange and saved some zest for garnish)
1 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup chocolate covered espresso beans (I used the Trade Joe’s espresso pillows because they’re smaller than any others I’ve found)
How to:
Preheat oven to 375˜F.
In a measuring cup, mix espresso powder with 1 teaspoon hot water. Stir to dissolve. Add 1 cup cream and combine. Add the orange zest to the creamy espresso mix.
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, sugar, honey, nutmeg and salt. Add the butter pieces to the bowl and using your hands or a pastry blender, cut in the butter. Toss in the chocolate covered espresso beans and stir gently.
Pour the espresso-cream mixture over the flour mixture and blend with your hands or a spatula until dough just comes together. Gently knead a couple times, but don’t overmix.
Remove dough onto floured surface. Form into a rectangle, about 3/4 to 1 inch thick.
Cut the scones into desired serving sizes. Place the pieces on a parchment or Silpat lined baking sheet.
Brush scones with cream and sprinkle with sugar.
Bake scones until edges and bottom are golden and they are firm to the touch, about 15 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.
Enjoy!
