Cranberry Date Scones

Description
Makes 12 scones

Ingredients

 * 3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
 * 1/2 cup sugar
 * Grated zest of 1 large orange
 * 1 tablespoon baking powder
 * 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
 * 1/2 teaspoon salt
 * 1 1/2 sticks(6 ounces) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
 * 1 heaping cup fresh or frozen cranberries (5 ounces)
 * 1/2 cup chopped pitted dates
 * 1 cup cold buttermilk
 * 2 tablespoons sugar mixed with 1/8 teaspoon each cinnamon, allspice and mace, for sprinkling

Directions

 * 1) Preheat the oven to 400F. Line a 15-by-12-inch baking sheet with parchment paper
 * 2) In a medium bowl, combine the flour, the 1/2 cup of sugar; the orange zest, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
 * 3) 1Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
 * 4) Add the cranberries and dates and toss.
 * 5) Stir in the buttermilk until a stiff dough forms.
 * 6) Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and knead gently just until the dough comes together.
 * 7) Divide the dough in half and pat each piece into a 7-inch round about 3/4-inch thick. #Sprinkle the tops with the spiced-sugar mixture.
 * 8) Using a knife, cut each round into 6 wedges. Arrange the wedges 1/2 inch apart on the baking sheet.
 * 9) Bake in the middle of the oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.

Contributed by:

 * World Recipes Y-Group