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Monday, September 2, 2013

Cranberry Buttermilk Scones

I wish I could remember where I originally found this recipe.  It's been in my recipe box for years and is a family favorite.  These are a special breakfast treat in our family, though I do have a couple of kids who pick out the Craisins.  You could substitute raisins, dried currants (my favorite), or do without a dried fruit altogether.  Whatever you use, it'll be great!  My family can't wait to get their hands on these....as you can see from my teenage son's "grab a scone" photobomb hand!

Ingredients:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup sugar
2 1/2 tsp. baking powder
3/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
3/4 cup cold butter (12 Tbsp.)
1 cup buttermilk*
1 cup dried cranberries (Craisins)
1 Tbsp. milk
2 Tbsp. Sugar
1/4 tsp. cinnamon

1.  Heat oven to 400°F.  Grease a large baking sheet.
2.  In a large bowl, combine flour, 1/3 cup sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.  Whisk together well.
3.  Cut butter into small pieces.  Cut in butter with a pastry blender (pictured) or with two knives until the mixture resembles course crumbs.  Stir in buttermilk, just until combined (do not overmix).  Fold in cranberries
4.  On a floured surface, form dough gently into an even mass; then divide in half.  Form each half into a circle six inches in diameter.  With a floured knife, partially cut each circle into 6 pieces (just cut about 1/2-3/4 of the way into the dough.  Transfer both circles to baking sheet.
5.  Brush each circle with milk.  Combine the 2 Tbsp. sugar and the cinnamon and sprinkle evenly over both circles.  Bake for 15-20 minutes.**

*To make buttermilk if you don't have any:  In a glass measuring cup, pour in 1 Tbsp. apple cider or white wine vinegar.  Pour milk up to the 1-cup line.  Allow to sit for 5 minutes before using.
**This sometimes takes more than 20 minutes for me.  I always test the middle with a knife--it should come out with a few small crumbs on it but should not be wet.  Overbaking will make a less than satisfactory final product.

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