Thursday, May 29, 2008

Walnut Raisin Scones

Hello all. I have been a baking mood the last few weeks. It is not so much that I like eat (which I certainly do!) but more for the creativity of the thing. Also, it seems that I have tons of people in and out of my house on a daily basis (house help, language teacher, language coach, friends, neighbors) and I like to have something on hand to serve them. The other day I made scones for the first time and they came out very well. I am going to post the recipe below. Also, I plan to try these with chocolate chips and orange zest instead of the raisins and lemon zest. If anyone gets there before I do, let me know how yours turn out. Bon Appetite!

Walnut Raisin Scones

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons white sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
1/2 cup butter, cubed
3/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup raisins
3/4 cup buttermilk
2 tablespoons buttermilk
2 tablespoons white sugar
2 tablespoons chopped walnuts
Powerdered Sugar

1.In a large bowl combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt and lemon peel.
2.With a pastry blender or 2 knives, cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse meal. Mix in all but 2 tablespoons of the nuts and the raisins. Mix in buttermilk with fork.
3.Gather the dough into a ball and knead for about 2 minutes on lightly floured board.
4.Roll or pat out 3/4 inch thick. With a chef's knife cut into 3 inch triangles. Place, spaced 1inch apart, on a greased baking sheet. Brush tops with remaining 1 tablespoon buttermilk; sprinkle with the remaining sugar and the nuts.
5.Bake in center of 425 degree F (220 degrees C) oven about 15 minutes or until nicely browned. Dust with powerdered sugar if desired. Serve warm with butter or jam.