Basic Scones

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Coat large baking sheet with cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine the flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, baking powder, cream of tartar, and salt. With a pastry blender or 2 knives, cut in butter until it resembles coarse crumbs.
2. 2
   Separate egg, placing egg white in a cup and the yolk in a small bowl. With a fork, beat egg yolk and stir in cream. Add yolk mixture to dry ingredients and mix together lightly with a fork until mixture clings together and forms a soft dough. Turn onto a lightly floured surface. Knead gently 5 or 6 times. Divide dough in half. With a lightly floured rolling pin or your hands, roll each dough half into a 7-inch circle. Cut into 6 wedges.
3. 3
   Place scones on prepared baking sheet 1 inch apart. Beat reserved egg white and brush on scones. Sprinkle with remaining 2 tablespoons sugar. Bake scones 15 to 18 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm. (To reheat frozen scones, place on baking sheet in a 350-degree oven for 25 minutes.).
4. 4
   Variations.
5. 5
   Dried Fruit Scones: Add 1/2 cup dried cherries, raisins, currants, or nuts after butter is cut in and before adding cream.
6. 6
   Marble Scones: In a small microwave-safe bowl, microwave four 1-ounce squares semisweet chocolate on medium for 20-second intervals, stirring after each, until chocolate is just melted. Stir in 2 tablespoons light corn syrup. Gently knead mixture into dough to create marbled effect.
7. 7
   Maple Walnut Scones: Toast 1 cup walnut halves; add to dough before cream is stirred inches Continue with recipe. Whisk together 2 egg yolks, 1/3 cup cream, and 2 Tablespoons maple extract and brush on top of scones. Sprinkle with sugar.
8. 8
   Yields: 12 large wedges.