Dried Cherry Scones

Submitted by keen5

"Wonderful scones served at a local Bed and Breakfast here in my town. Prep and cook times are a guess, since I only tasted, but haven't made yet."

 

• Ready In: 1hr
• Ingredients: 12
• Serves: 6-8

ingredients

• Dough

• 2 cups flour
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1⁄4 cup chopped pecans, toasted
• 6 tablespoons shortening
• 1 egg, well beaten
• 1⁄3 cup half-and-half
• 1⁄2 cup dried cherries
• 2 tablespoons brandy or 2 tablespoons apricot nectar

• Topping

• 1 tablespoon half-and-half
• 2 teaspoons sugar

directions

1. Combine 1/2 cup of dried cherries (or other dried fruit) with 2 tablespoons brandy or apricot nectar.
2. Let stand for 15 minutes.
3. Combine dry ingredients (flour, sugar, salt, baking powder).
4. Cut the shortening into the dry ingredients well.
5. Add pecans.
6. Make a 'hole' in the center of the dried mixture.
7. Stir together well beaten egg and half-and-half.
8. Add egg and fruit mixtures to dry ingredients all at once.
9. Using a fork, stir just until moistened.
10. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface.
11. Knead for 12 to 15 strokes.
12. Form dough into a 7 inch circle, and cut into 8 wedges.
13. Place scones 1 inch apart on an ungreased baking sheet.
14. Brush tops with 1 tbsp half-and-half, sprinkle with 2 tsp sugar.
15. Bake in a 400 degree oven for 12 to 15 minutes.
16. Cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes.
17. Serve warm with maple-nut butter posted on this site, if desired.

Reviews

[William Uncle Bill]

I made your recipe yesterday afternoon and all I can say is that they turned out super-great. They very lightly browned on top and were so delicious, as I had the first one while it was still hot and naturally, with some butter. I also found that I had to add 2 teaspoons of water to the dough when I was kneading to hold the dough together. Otherwise, very tasty. Had one this morning (cold) and with butter, and my oh my, so good. Thank you for sharing this recipe with us. "Uncle Bill"

 

[HeatherFeather]

These were very tasty scones. Straightforward instructions with excellent, flaky results. The warm cherries and pecan combo tastes so good. I needed the full 15 minutes cooking time in my oven.

 

[jenny.najduch]

GREAT recipe, one of the best scones I've made by far. I had one when they came out of the oven and I wasn't crazy about them because I thought the Brandy was over-powering, but after cooling overnight, WOW!! Delicious!! Thanks for sharing.

 

[ericaj]

These tasted really good. I didn't have any brandy so I reconstituted the dried cherries in Grand Marnier. I made these for Easter breakfast but I wouldn't all the time...they are very fattening! Maybe I'll try to reduce the fat a little and see if they taste as good.

 

[Lieutenant Ducky]

this recipe was so great. It took me scarcely half an hour to make it and clean up!! I used chopped marashino cherries and soaked them in brandy for just ten minutes. I found this made the recipe a whole lot moister and I didn't have to add any water or anything to make the batter hold. Thanks again for a great recipe!