Orange Almond Buttermilk Scones

 

3 1/2 cups flour 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1 tablespoon baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 cup butter, chilled and cut into small pieces 1 roll almond paste (7 ounces), chilled 1 tablespoon grated orange rind, no pith 1 cup buttermilk 2 eggs 1 teaspoon pure almond extract Sugar and crushed almonds, optional garnish

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or butter and flour them.

In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and baking soda.

Cut butter into the flour mixture using a pastry blender or food processor until mixture has a coarse texture, with small−pea−size pieces of butter visible.

Using the large−hole side of a box grater, grate the chilled almond paste into the bowl of flour mixture and toss until completely mixed in.

In a medium bowl using an electric mixer, mix orange rind, buttermilk, 1 egg and almond extract, until well blended.

Add buttermilk mixture to flour mixture and stir vigorously until dough forms a ball.

Turn out onto a lightly floured work table and knead 6 to 8 turns. Shape into a rectangle and roll out to a 1/2−inch thickness. Using a 2 1/2−inch round cookie cutter, cut out scones and place on the cookie sheets.

In a small bowl, beat remaining egg with a tablespoon of water; use this to brush the tops of the scones. If desired, sprinkle the tops with sugar and−or crushed almonds. Bake for 14 to 16 minutes, or until lightly golden. Cool on wire racks.

Makes 20 scones