Source: Joy of Baking.com
Makes 8 servings.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Tips: Great breakfast if you can spare 20 minutes.
Scones
Ingredients
Preparation
2 cups flour (280 gr)
1/3 cup granulated sugar (66 gr)
2 teaspoons baking powder ( 10 gr)
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup chilled unsalted butter (76 gr)
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract ( 5 gr)
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream (125 ml), see note 1
1 large egg + 1 Tbs heavy cream, for brushing
Preheat oven to 375 F degrees and place rack in middle of oven. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.
2. Cut the butter into small pieces and blend into the flour mixture with a pastry blender or your fingers. The mixture should look like coarse crumbs.
3. In a small measuring cup combine the whipping cream, beaten egg and vanilla. Add this mixture to the flour mixture and any optional flavors such as dried fruit and/or peel , essences, etc. Stir until just combined. Do not overmix .
4. Knead dough gently on a lightly floured surface. Roll or pat the dough into a circle that is 7 inches (18 cm) round and about 1.5 inches 93.75 cm) thick. Cut this circle into 8 triangular section. Pull section out of center so the sections are completely separate . Alternatively, you can cut the dough into rounds with a cookie cutter.
5. Make a mixture of one well-beaten egg with 1 tablespoon heavy cream. Brush the scones with this mixture.
6. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly browned. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
7. Optional, sprinkle scones with powder sugar before serving. Best eaten warm out of the oven.
These scones freeze very well.
NOTES : 1)You may use light cream, half and half or milk instead of heavy whipping cream for a lighter scone.
Optional flavors to add:
1/3 cup dried red tart cherries or, raisins or, cranberries
2 teaspoons orange peel, very finely chopped
Powder sugar, for dusting
