(Relatively) Healthy Oatmeal Scones

After finding an old scone recipe in the crevices of my kitchen, I experimented a little and it turned into a low fat--but still delicious!--treat, great for breakfast, snacks, or afternoon tea. These are best warm, split in half and spread with jam, preserves, butter, and/or clotted cream. Also great with a hot cup of tea. =)

• Ready In: 35 mins
• Serves: 8-12

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄4 cups wheat flour
• 3⁄4 cup old fashioned oats
• 2  tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1  teaspoon baking powder
• 1⁄4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄3 cup  dried fruit (raisins, currants, cranberries, etc.) (optional)
• 1⁄4 cup light butter or 1⁄4 cup margarine
• 2⁄3 cup buttermilk
• 1  tablespoon half-and-half (optional)
• 2  teaspoons vanilla extract
•  extra sugar
• 1  tablespoon buttermilk (for brushing)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Mix together dry ingredients (flour, oats, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt).
3. Cut in butter (I like to dice the butter and add it in, separating the cubes) and combine using a fork until the mixture resembles bread crumbs.
4. Add dried fruit to dry mixture if desired.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together the wet ingredients (buttermilk, half-and-half, vanilla).
6. Gradually add wet mixture to the flour mixture and combine until a soft and sticky dough is formed.
7. Move dough to a lightly floured surface and knead 2-3 times. Do not overwork the dough. Roll the dough into a 6-8-inch circle (depending on how thick you like your scones) and cut into 8 pie-shaped slices. You can experiment with other dough shapes (such as circles) to maximize servings.
8. Bake in preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until scones are golden-brown and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
9. For extra crunch and golden color, brush the tops of the scones with buttermilk. Liberally sprinkle sugar on top and broil carefully for a few minutes, turning and adjusting as necessary. Be sure to watch as sugar browns quickly.
10. Enjoy.