cranberry scones with "easy" devonshire cream

Have you ever discovered something wonderful and then later wondered why you never noticed it before?

As far as scones go, I didn't even know that they existed until about four or five years ago.  Let's just say that this has been a happy discovery.  

When I was baking these, my daughter asked me what they are like, or what can scones be compared to?  I had to think about that one.  Perhaps a cross between a muffin and a biscuit?  Maybe?...

Really there is no comparison.  These scones are delicious.  This is the first scone recipe I have ever tried and it is my favorite so far.  The cranberries and the orange zest go together perfectly.  

Try them, you'll feel like you made somethin' purdy special!

cranberry scones with "easy" devonshire cream

ingredients:

for the scones...

3 cups all-purpose flour

2 1/2 tsp. baking powder

3/4 tsp. salt

1/3 cup sugar

1/2 tsp. baking soda

3/4 cup chilled butter (1 1/2 sticks)

3/4 cup dried cranberries

1 tsp. grated orange zest

1 cup buttermilk

for the cream...

3 oz. of cream cheese

1 Tbsp. plus 3/4 tsp. white sugar

1 1/4 pinches salt

1 1/4 cups heavy whipping cream

directions:

for the scones...(makes 16 scones)

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.  Combine the dry ingredients, the flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and baking soda and stir with a wire whisk.

Chop up the chilled butter into small chunks.  Add this to the dry mix and beat together with an electric mixer.  Add the cranberries and orange zest.  Pour in the buttermilk and mix until combined.  Lightly flour your hands and use them to incorporate all of the dry ingredients into the dough.

On a lightly floured surface, divide the dough in half and form into balls.  Pat or roll out into 2 circles 1/4-1/2 inch thick.  Cut each circle into 8 wedges.  Bake on a cookie sheet for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

for the cream...

In a medium bowl, cream together the cream cheese, sugar, and salt.  Beat in the cream until stiff peaks form.  Chill until serving time.