I usually get an extra hug when I pop these scones out of the oven . . . that's why they are called The Hugging Scones! It is quite possible to get your husband to fall in love with you all over again by intoxicating him with these baking aromas.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4
2 cups flour
1/3 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
1/4 cup shortening
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
3/4 currants
1/2 teaspoon finely grated orange peel
1 egg whisked
1/4 cup milk
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees
In a large bowl combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut the butter and shortening into the dry ingredients with a pastry cutter (or you may use two dinner knives) until the mixture is crumbly. Using a fork, stir in the remaining ingredients.
Knead the dough on a floured surface six times, folding it over each time. Roll out the dough 1/2 inch thick and cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters. Bake 20 minutes until the tops are brown.
Or, to make traditional triangular scones, roll dough into a large 1/2 inch thick circle and cut crosswise four times to make eight scones. Bake it as a whole 20 minutes (or a bit longer) until the tops are golden. Seperate the triangles when cooled.
Presentation: Every Christmas morning I bake these scones and serve them warm in a basket lined with a fresh tea towel and with a cup of raspberry preserves holding a tiny spoon. We eat them while opening our presents.
