Recipe 403 - Cranberry Orange Scones

These turned out really well; even the Dragon ate a whole one!!!  Next time, perhaps I would add in some quick oats - I like the added texture the oats give the scones. None the less, these were good.

Cranberry Orange Scones

based on: Joy of Baking

• 2 cups (280 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup (65 grams) granulated white sugar
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup (76 grams) cold unsalted butter
• zest from 1 large orange
• 1 cup (130 grams) fresh cranberries (cut fresh cranberries in half)
• 1/3 cup (50 grams) mixed candied fruit and peel
• 2/3 cup approx plain yogurt
• milk to brush tops

Glaze:

• icing sugar
• zest from 1 orange (or 2 clementines)
• 2-3 tbsp orange juice

1. Preheat oven to 425F. Reduce the heat to 400F when the scones go in to bake.
2. It is worthwhile to prepare the cranberries and orange zest first. So take fresh cranberries and cut then in halves (or quarters if they are large). I tripled (by weight) the amount of berries - but i LOVE the fresh berries in my scones.  Also zest up an orange. Set aside.
3. Mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Cut the butter in as normal for scones - mix until  it resembled bread crumbs etc....
4. Add in orange zest and mix for a few seconds. Then add the candied fruit and cranberries. Mix until they are evenly distributed (10 seconds maybe).
5. Add in spoonfuls of yogurt while mixing. Do not over mix and do not add too much to get an overly moist dough. Only add enough yogurt until the dough comes together.
6. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead a few times and then pay out into a 12" or so round. Divide into 8 slices. Put the scones onto a baking sheet. Brush the tops with a bit of milk.
7. Place in the oven. Reduce the heat to 400F and bake for 20-25 minutes. Rotate e tray at 15 minutes to ensure even baking.
8. While the scones are baking prepare the glaze. Add only enough orange juice to make a think glaze suitable for drizzling.
9. Remove the scones when they are beginning to turn golden brown. Let cool for a few minuts, then place on a plate, drizzle with a title glaze, and serve.

Makes 8 scones.