Around Christmas of 2008 I came across a recipe for cranberry-orange scones and decided to give it a try. I told my dad about it, who told me that his mom, my grandmother of English/Irish descent, loved scones. When I brought some to her I found out that my mom used to make scones for her. So, on top of how moist and delicious these scones were, all of these connections made me love them even more. When Christmas came again in 2009, I found myself searching out the recipe once again. Looks like the start of my own tradition.
Christmas Scones
adapted from Mr. Breakfasts's Christmas Cranberry Scones at MrBreakfast.com
2 and 1/4 cups flour
1/3 cup sugar
2 teaspoons additional sugar
1 tablespoon grated orange peel
2 and 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup butter
1 cup dried cranberries -- chopped
2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
1/2 cup skimmed buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
In a large bowl combine the flour, sugar, orange peel, baking powder, and baking soda.
Cut in the butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add cranberries; stir to combine.
Add buttermilk, fresh orange juice, and vanilla to flour mixture and stir to combine (mixture will be dry).
Form dough into 2 equal balls.
Preheat oven to 400 F. On floured work surface work half of the dough into a 6-inch circle, about 1/2 inch thick.
Cut circle into 6 equal wedges; place wedges on nonstick baking sheet, leaving a 1" space between each one. Repeat procedure, using remaining dough. *Note: If you want a nicely browned top, brush each scone with heavy cream and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
Bake until lightly browned, about 10 to 15 minutes. Remove scones to wire rack and let cool.
Merry Christmas!
