I made some delicious scones the other day. I was thinking of my wonderful trip to Ireland last year with mom. Every afternoon we would have tea and scones in the afternoon. The scones were wonderfully nutty and flakey. They were always served with that sweet Irish butter, lovely berry preserves, usually strawberry and clotted cream. These ones I made were good, but they didn't have that nutty taste you get from the Irish flour.
1-3/4 cup of all purpose flour
3 tablespoons sugar
2 - 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup of cold butter, diced
1 egg
4 to 6 tablespoons heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preheat the oven to 400F
In a large bowl mix the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Cut in the butter using a patty blender, until well combine and crumbly.
In a small bowl, beat the egg 4 tablespoons of cream and vanilla, add to the flour. Mix until the mixture leaves the sides of the bowl. Add additional cream a bit at a time is mixture appears to be too dry.
Turn mixture out onto a floured surface, knead about ten to twelve times just until mixture is smooth. Form into a disc about 8 inches across. Cut circle into 8 triangles, leave in a circle and place on a unread cookie sheet. You cam brush some cream on the top and sprinkle with sugar if desired.
Bake 14 -16 minutes until golden brown . Immediately remove from baking sheet to cooling rack. Let cool for about 10 minutes then enjoy.
