Almond Paste Scones

DrGaellon's Note:

Adapted by Michele Humes at Serious Eats from _Baking Unplugged_ by Nicole Rees.

• Total Time: 37 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 22 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 8 scones

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1⁄3; cup packed almond paste
• 1⁄3; cup unsalted butter , very cold
• 1⁄3; cup dried cherries or 1⁄3; cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
• 1⁄3; cup Amaretto (optional)
• 1⁄3; cup heavy cream or 1⁄3; cup half-and-half
• 1 large egg
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract
• sugar , for sprinkling

Directions:

1. If using optional amaretto, soak cherries in amaretto for 15-20 minutes before beginning.
2. Preheat the oven to 375°F Stack two baking sheets together and line the top one with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Using the large holes on a box grater, grate the almond paste and then the butter directly into the dry ingredients. With a pastry cutter, cut the almond paste and the butter into the dry ingredients until a few pea-sized lumps remain. Stir in the cherries or mini chocolate chips. (If using amaretto, drain cherries before adding. Drink or discard amaretto.).
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and both extracts. With a fork, gradually stir enough of the liquid into the dry mixture until the mixture just starts to come together, reserving about 1 tablespoon of the liquid to brush the tops of the scones.
4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and very gently pat into an 8-inch round about 1 1/2 inches high. Using a chef's knife or bench scraper. cut the dough round into 8 wedges. Transfer the wedges to the baking sheet, spacing the scones at least 1 inch apart. Lightly brush the tops of the scones with the reserved egg-cream mixture and sprinkle liberally with sugar.
5. Bake in the top third of the oven for 15 to 18 minutes or until the tops are golden. Transfer the scones to a wire rack to cool slightly, 3 to 4 minutes. Serve warm.