CORN-CHERRY SCONES

CORN-CHERRY SCONES image

Yield 8-9 scones

Number Of Ingredients 9

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1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/3 cup sugar
3/4 cup medium-grind yellow cornmeal
1/2 cup (1 stick) cold, unsalted butter, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/2 cup dried sweet cherries (or dried cranberries)
1/2 cup buttermilk

Steps:

1. Heat the oven to 425 degrees (note this will go down to 375 later). Line baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. 2. Sift the flour, baking soda and baking powder together into a large bowl. Add the salt, sugar, and the cornmeal to the bowl and stir with a wooden spoon until combined. 3. Add the butter and cut in with a pastry cutter or 2 dinner knives, until it is the size of small peas. Using the spoon, mix in the cherries. Make a well in the center and add the buttermilk. Mix briefly, just until the ingredients come together; some loose flour should remain at the bottom of the bowl. (Don't overmix, or scones will be heavy.) The dough will be stiff and slightly sticky. Let the batter stand for 5 minutes. 4. Gently shape the dough into balls about 2 inches in diameter and place them on the prepared pans about 2 inches apart. 5. Place the scones on the middle rack and immediately turn the oven temperature down to 375 degrees. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the scones are golden. Transfer the scones to a wire rack and cool.