The Perfect Scone

These are my very favorite scones.  The recipe is perfect.  Its so easy and bakes like clock-work everytime.  It's not to dry and not to moist.  It really is the perfect scone.  You may omit or add any dried fruit, but keeping in mind that you may need to adjust flour for desired consistency.  If you add fresh fruit, drain and dry well.

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup = 2 Tbsp. sugar, divided
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons chilled  butter
• 1/3 cup chopped dried apricots
• 1/3 cup  dried cranberries (such as Craisins;  Dried cherries work well too)
• 3/4 cup low-fat buttermilk
• 2 Tbsp. grated orange rind (you can also add some lemon zest to freshen it up even more)
• 1 large egg 
• 2 large egg whites, divided
• Cooking spray 

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 400°.
2. Whisk one egg white in a small dish for egg washing top of biscuit.  
3. Combine flour,  3/4 cup sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a food processor or bowl.
4. Pulse or cut in butter with a pastry blender or 2 knives until mixture resembles coarse meal.
5. Stir in apricots and cranberries. 
6. Combine buttermilk, orange rind, egg, and 1 egg white; add to flour mixture, stirring just until moist.
7. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface; knead lightly 4 times with floured hands. Roll dough into a 12 x 6-inch rectangle. ( I used my Demarle ROUL'PAT.  Its just like the SILPAT but for rolling out dough...IT DOESN'T STICK...EVER!)
8. Cut dough into 8 (3-inch) squares using a dull knife or a dough scraper. Cut each square into 2 triangles.
9.  You may also use your favorite size biscuit cutter to form circular scones. 
10. Place on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray (or use your SILPAT, NO cooking spray needed).
11. Brush top of scone with reserved egg white.
12. Sprinkle with remaining sugar; bake at 400° for 12 minutes or until golden.
13. Serve warm with clotted cream and preserves.

I also make these in bite- sized pieces for my kids.  Its a great snack.  

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