Heat up the griddle for handy, tasty scones

Heat up the griddle for handy, tasty scones

LAST week Nancy Morris wrote in asking for a recipe for the pan-cooked scones that used to be sold at Eaton's and that her mother made at home. It turns out that Barbara Gmitrowski had written in about two years ago for this recipe and Recipe Swap writer Darlene Henderson had published a perennial Free Press favourite. Barbara, who tried it out and declared it very close to her memories of the Eaton's version, kindly alerted me to that recipe, and I'm publishing it again. I'm also offering a recipe for griddle scones, which, like Welsh scones, are made in a pan. (These could be related to a Scottish version called a girdle scone.)

Both recipes are handy when you're camping or when your oven is busy doing something else, and give a nice crisp crust. The Welsh scones are sweet and more like fancy tea scones, while the griddle scones are more of an all-purpose biscuit, good for breakfast or serving with soups and stews.

This week Diane Mayes is looking for recipes for tomato-based soups and a good Greek salad. And my daughter, Sophie, would love a recipe for wafer pie like Sal's makes. If you can help with a recipe request, have your own request, or a favourite recipe you'd like to share, send an email to recipeswap@freepress.mb.ca, fax it to 697-7412, or write to Recipe Swap, c/o Alison Gillmor, Winnipeg Free Press, 1355 Mountain Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R2X 3B6. Please include your first and last name, address and telephone number.

Audited public accounts show Manitoba's deficit last year half of predicted $1.67 billion

Manitoba’s audited public accounts for the last fiscal year show the province is “moving in the right direction,” NDP Finance Minister Adrien Sala said Monday.

The provincial deficit for fiscal 2025-26 was $832 million, nearly half the $1.67-billion deficit forecast in December, and in line with the $794-million estimate in Budget 2026.

“I’m particularly proud of this final result, (given the potential) implications of tariffs on our economy, the worst wildfire season in 30 years — which resulted in significant emergency expenditures — and, of course, a significant drought,” Sala said at a news conference.

The province reported revenues of $25.1 billion and expenses of $25.9 billion, resulting in the $832-million deficit. Manitoba’s net debt is $36.5 billion and costs the province $2.3 billion a year in debt-servicing charges.

Today’s horoscope

MOON ALERT: Avoid shopping (except food and gas) and important decisions from 9 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. After that, the moon moves from Capricorn into Aquarius.

ARIES (March 21-April 19)

You’re high-viz as this day begins. People notice you. It’s a high-energy day and excellent for communication with partners, spouses and your kids. Discussions about the arts, vacations and fun outings will be interesting and imaginative.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

Hard-hitting Hansen working his way back into Bombers lineup

Thiadric Hansen is a European who lives in India and plays professional football in Canada.

Forget Pitbull, if anyone deserves the moniker “Mr. Worldwide” it’s the German-born defensive lineman for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

“I love it,” Hansen told reporters after Monday’s practice at Fort Garry Lions Field. He resides in Bangalore, the capital and largest city of the southern Indian state of Karnataka, because his girlfriend works there.

“I love travelling. The year before, I lived in Thailand for the off-season so I’m just making the most out of the opportunities that I can.”

Transportation Safety Board investigating after two pilots found dead near Regina

REGINA - A Manitoba-based flying school and air taxi provider says two of its pilots were found dead near Regina on Friday.

Adam Penner, president of Harv's Air, says in a statement that two people were aboard the Cessna 172 on a night flight from Regina to Steinbach, Man.

Penner says a search began after the aircraft did not arrive on schedule, and the plane was found along with its two occupants on Friday evening near Kisbey, southeast of Regina.

Harv's Air says it is shocked and saddened by the tragedy, and it is working with the Transportation Safety Board of Canada in determining the cause of the deaths.