Cherry Almond Scones

Cherry Almond Scones

Ingredients:

2 cups all purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into 1/2 inch 

   pieces

1/4 cup almonds, roughly chopped

1/4 cup dried cherries, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh orange zest

3/4 cup whole milk

1/4 teaspoon almond flavoring

Directions:

Preheat oven to 450*F

In a large bowl sift together flour, baking powder, salt and sugar.

Add butter pieces and work with finger tips or pastry knife until mixture resembles very coarse meal. Stir in cherries, almonds, and orange zest.  

Make a well in the center and add the milk and almond extract.  With a rubber spatula, quickly blend ingredients into a soft, slightly wet dough.

Turn dough onto a well floured work surface.  Lightly sprinkle dough with flour.  Pat into a 7-inch circle and cut into 8 wedges.

Place the wedges on a well oiled baking sheet 2-inches apart.  Bake 12-14 minutes until well browned.  Serve warm from the oven.  Makes 8 scones

If using salted butter, omit the 3/4 teapsoon salt.