Raisin Scones

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
2. 2
   Combine the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt in a mixing bowl.
3. 3
   Cut in the chilled butter until the mixture resembles fine crumbs. (I prefer to grate in frozen butter).
4. 4
   Add the raisins, beaten egg, and enough buttermilk to make a soft dough.
5. 5
   Knead very lightly on a floured board to just combine the ingredients, handling gently to retain air needed for scones to rise.
6. 6
   Roll out to a 1/2 inch thickness.
7. 7
   Cut the dough into 8 thick wedges with a sharp knife.
8. 8
   Place the scones on 2 greased baking sheets, leaving a 1/2 inch space around each one.
9. 9
   To glaze, combine the egg yolk and water in a bowl and brush onto each scone (be careful not to drip any of the glaze onto the pan or the scones will stick).
10. 10
    Bake for 12 - 15 minutes, or until golden brown.