Orange Cranberry Scones

The key here is to handle the dough as little as possible in order to increase the tenderness of the scone.  I have a friend getting married in May--she is having a morning wedding in her garden with breakfast food to follow.  This would be perfect for that.

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• Freshly grated zest of 1 orange or tangerine
• 1/4 pound (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup dried cranberries chopped or small chunks of other dried fruit
• Egg wash (2 large eggs beaten with 1 tablespoon water)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar, for sprinkling (optional)                   

1.

Heat oven to 325 degrees. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or baking mat, or use a nonstick pan.

2.

Toss dry ingredients and zest together in a large bowl. Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, rub butter and flour mixture together just until butter pieces are the size of peas and covered with flour. Make a well in the center of the bowl and pour in egg and cream. Mix ingredients together by hand until a shaggy dough is formed.

3.

Turn out onto a floured surface and gently mix in currants, kneading dough and currants together just until incorporated.

4.

Pat dough into a 3/4- to 1-inch-thick rectangle. Cut rectangle in half lengthwise, then cut across into 8 or 12 smaller rectangles. Place them on the baking sheet, spaced out.

5.

Brush tops with egg wash and sprinkle with brown sugar (if using). Bake until light golden brown, about 22 minutes; rotate the pan front to back halfway through. Let scones cool slightly on the baking sheet. Serve warm or at room temperature. Eat within 24 hours