Fresh Fruit Scones Recipe

Fresh Fruit Scones

from Tim Porter & Farina Wong Kingsley's
Organic Marin: Recipes from land to table

Ingredients:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
3/4 cup buttermilk
1 1/2 cups 1/2-inch-diced fresh fruit (such as peaches, strawberries, blueberries, or blackberries)
1 large egg, beaten
2 tablespoons heavy cream
2 tablespoons turbinado sugar

This and many other wonderful
recipes may be found in
Victoria Pearson's
Bread For All Seasons
from Andrews McMeel Publishing

A favorite at the Rustic Bakery, these moist fruit-filled scones can be served for breakfast or as a shortcake with crème fraiche for dessert. The recipe adapts to the seasons - try juicy figs in fall and creamy pears in winter.

Combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda in a large bowl and stir with a whisk to blend. Add the butter and cut it into the flour mixture with a pastry cutter to the size of peas. Gradually add the buttermilk to the dough, mixing with your hands until the dough just comes together. Gently mix in the fruit with your hands. If the fruit is juicy, less buttermilk can be used. Do not overmix, or the scones will be tough.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface. Divide the dough in half and form each piece into a disk 2 inches thick. Use a knife to cut each disk into 6 even triangles. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the scones 2 inches apart on the prepared pan and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Using a fork or small whisk, beat the egg and cream together in a small bowl. Using a pastry brush, coat the top of each scone with the egg mixture. Sprinkle with the turbinado sugar and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until a light golden brown. Remove from the oven and transfer the scones to wire racks. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Makes 12 scones

Freezing Berries:
The best way to extend the berry season is to freeze surplus berries the day they are picked or purchased. Pick out any stems, dirt, or mold. Wash the berries and gently pat dry with a paper towel. Place the berries in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for at least 1 hour. Place the frozen berries in a resealable plastic bag, remove any air, and freeze for up to 6 months. The berries do not need to be thawed before using.