Orange Almond Buttermilk Scones

GreekVegetarianIntermediate14 minBy Northstar

Ingredients

Servings
4
  • 0 cup flour
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp baking soda
  • 0.5 cup butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
  • 1 each roll almond paste (7 ounces), chilled
  • 1 tbsp grated orange rind, no pith
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 each eggs
  • 1 tsp pure almond extract

Instructions

  1. 1

    Sugar and crushed almonds, optional garnish Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

  2. 2

    Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or butter and flour them.

  3. 3

    In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and baking soda.

  4. 4

    Cut butter into the flour mixture using a pastry blender or food processor until mixture has a coarse texture, with small-pea-size pieces of butter visible.

  5. 5

    Using the large-hole side of a box grater, grate the chilled almond paste into the bowl of flour mixture and toss until completely mixed in.

  6. 6

    In a medium bowl using an electric mixer, mix orange rind, buttermilk, 1 egg and almond extract, until well blended.

  7. 7

    Add buttermilk mixture to flour mixture and stir vigorously until dough forms a ball.

  8. 8

    Turn out onto a lightly floured work table and knead 6 to 8 turns.

  9. 9

    Shape into a rectangle and roll out to a 1/2-inch thickness.

  10. 10

    Using a 2 1/2-inch round cookie cutter, cut out scones and place on the cookie sheets.

  11. 11

    In a small bowl, beat remaining egg with a tablespoon of water; use this to brush the tops of the scones.

  12. 12

    If desired, sprinkle the tops with sugar and-or crushed almonds.

  13. 13

    Bake for 14 to 16 minutes, or until lightly golden.

  14. 14

    Cool on wire racks.

  15. 15

    Makes 20 scones

Tags

greekbread-baker-bible