Dried Cherry Buttermilk Scones

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup buttermilk, plus
• 1/4 cup buttermilk, for brushing the scones
• 1 large egg
• 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 1/4 cups cake flour (not self-rising)
• 1 tablespoon double-acting baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/8 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into bits
• 1/2 cup dried sour cherries (available at specialty foods shops)
• granulated sugar, for sprinkling

Directions

1. 1

   In a bowl whisk together 1/2 cup of the buttermilk, the egg, the brown sugar, and the vanilla until the mixture is combined well.

2. 2

   In another bowl stir together the flour, the baking powder, the baking soda, and the salt and blend in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse meal.

3. 3

   Stir in the cherries and the buttermilk mixture with a fork until the mixture just forms a sticky but manageable dough.

4. 4

   Knead the dough gently for 30 seconds on a lightly floured surface, pat it into a 3/4-inch-thick round, and cut it into 8 wedges.

5. 5

   On an ungreased baking sheet brush the wedges with the remaining 1/4 cup buttermilk and sprinkle them with the granulated sugar.

6. 6

   Bake the scones in the middle of a preheated 400°F oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they are golden.