Dried Cherry Scones

Total Time: 1 hr Preparation Time: 45 mins Cook Time: 15 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 6
• 2 cups flour
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans, toasted
• 6 tablespoons shortening
• 1 egg, well beaten
• 1/3 cup half-and-half
• 1/2 cup dried cherries
• 2 tablespoons brandy or 2 tablespoons apricot nectar
• 1 tablespoon half-and-half
• 2 teaspoons sugar

Recipe

• 1 combine 1/2 cup of dried cherries (or other dried fruit) with 2 tablespoons brandy or apricot nectar.
• 2 let stand for 15 minutes.
• 3 combine dry ingredients (flour, sugar, salt, baking powder).
• 4 cut the shortening into the dry ingredients well.
• 5 add pecans.
• 6 make a 'hole' in the center of the dried mixture.
• 7 stir together well beaten egg and half-and-half.
• 8 add egg and fruit mixtures to dry ingredients all at once.
• 9 using a fork, stir just until moistened.
• 10 turn dough onto a lightly floured surface.
• 11 knead for 12 to 15 strokes.
• 12 form dough into a 7 inch circle, and cut into 8 wedges.
• 13 place scones 1 inch apart on an ungreased baking sheet.
• 14 brush tops with 1 tbsp half-and-half, sprinkle with 2 tsp sugar.
• 15 bake in a 400 degree oven for 12 to 15 minutes.
• 16 cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes.
• 17 serve warm with maple-nut butter posted on this site, if desired.