Cream Scones

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat the oven to 450.
2. 2
   Mix dry ingredients together, reserving 1 Tbsp sugar.
3. 3
   Cut butter into bits and rub into dry ingredients until thoroughly blended.
4. 4
   (Or pulse in food processor). Beat 2 eggs with cream, and blend into dry ingredients with a few swift strokes.
5. 5
   Use only a few more strokes to add raisins.
6. 6
   Turn dough onto lightly floured surface and knead 10 times; no more. If it is very sticky, add a little flour, but very little; don't worry if it sticks a bit to your hands.
7. 7
   Press the dough into a 3/4 inch rectangle and cut into 2 inch rounds with a biscuit cutter or glass.
8. 8
   Place the rounds on an ungreased baking sheet. Gently reshape the leftover dough and cut again; this recipe will produce 10-14 biscuits.
9. 9
   Beat the remaining egg with 1 tablespoonful of water and brush the top of each scone; sprinkle each with a little of the remaining sugar.
10. 10
    Bake 7-9 minutes, or until the scones are a beautiful golden brown.
11. 11
    These keep better than biscuits, but should still be eaten the same day you make them.
12. 12
    Seven Easy Additions to Cream Scones:
13. 13
    --Stir one-half cup or more chopped nuts into the prepared batter.
14. 14
    --Use up to fifty percent whole wheat flour.
15. 15
    --Substitute fresh fruit (apples, pears, peaches), whole berries (blueberries, cranberries) or minced dried fruit (figs, apricots) for the raisins.
16. 16
    --Add one teaspoonful or more of cinnamon or ginger, or a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the dried ingredients.
17. 17
    --Add one-half cup grated cheese along with the eggs and cream; reduce the sugar to one teaspoon.
18. 18
    --Add minced fresh herbs to taste-dill, parsley, and chevril are especially good; reduce the sugar to one teaspoonful.
19. 19
    --Add one-half cup or more of minced cooked meat along with the eggs and cream; reduce the sugar to one teaspoon.