Cranberry Date Scones

Description
Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group
 * Makes 12 scones

Ingredients

 * 3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
 * ½ cup sugar
 * grated zest of 1 large orange
 * 1 tablespoon baking powder
 * ½ teaspoon baking soda
 * ½ teaspoon salt
 * 1½ sticks(6 ounces) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
 * 1 heaping cup fresh or frozen cranberries (5 ounces)
 * ½ cup chopped pitted dates
 * 1 cup cold buttermilk
 * 2 tablespoons sugar mixed with ⅛ teaspoon each cinnamon, allspice and mace, for sprinkling

Directions

 * 1) Preheat the oven to 400°F.
 * 2) Line a 15-by-12-inch baking sheet with parchment paper.
 * 3) In a medium bowl, combine the flour, the ½ cup of sugar; the orange zest, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
 * 4) 1cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
 * 5) Add the cranberries and dates and toss.
 * 6) Stir in the buttermilk until a stiff dough forms.
 * 7) Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and knead gently just until the dough comes together.
 * 8) Divide the dough in half and pat each piece into a 7-inch round about ¾-inch thick.
 * 9) Sprinkle the tops with the spiced-sugar mixture.
 * 10) Using a knife, cut each round into 6 wedges.
 * 11) Arrange the wedges ½ inch apart on the baking sheet.
 * 12) Bake in the middle of the oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown.
 * 13) Serve warm.