Orange Scones With Dates

Description

Source: Christmas With Southern Living 2003 - Southern Living

A Microplane grater produces feathery fine orange zest to flavor these tender scones. They're at the best when warm from the oven.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup cold butter, cut into pieces
• 3/4 cup chopped dates
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 2 tablespoons orange zest
• 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream
• Sugar

Directions

1. Combine first 5 ingredients in a bowl; cut in butter with a pastry blender until crumbly.
2. Stir in dates.
3. Stir together 1/2 cup whipping cream, egg, and orange zest; add to dry ingredients, stirring with a fork until dry ingredients are moistened.
4. Gather dough into a ball.
5. Pat dough into an 8" circle on an ungreased baking sheet.
6. Cut dough into 8 wedges using a sharp knife, cutting to, but not though, bottom of dough.
7. Brush tops with 1 tablespoon whipping cream; sprinkle with sugar.
8. Bake at 350° for 23 minutes.
9. Serve warm.

Yield: 8 scones