Orange Currant Scones

Ingredients

• 3 cups flour

• 1/3 cup sugar

• 2 1/2 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp baking soda

• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter cut into pieces

• 1/2 cup cold solid vegetable shortening cut into pieces

• 1 cup cold buttermilk

• 3/4 cup dried currants

• 1 tbs orange zest

• 2 tbs buttermilk, additional sugar (for glaze)

Steps

1. Preheat oven to 425F

2. Line large baking sheet with parchment paper

3. In large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking poder, salt, and baking powder together.

4. Using pastry knife or two knives, cut butter, then shortening into flour mixture until it resembles coarse meal. You may need to use your fingertips to break down larger chunks of shortening.

5. Add buttermilk, currants and zest. Stir gently with fork until dough comes together in large moist clumps.

6. Gather dough into ball and turn onto a cool, lightly floured surface. Gently knead 4 or 5 turns to bring dough together into one smooth ball.

7. Divide dough into two halves and gently pat each half into a round 3/4 - 1 inch disc.

8. Cut each disc into wedges.

9. Brush each scone with buttermilk and sprinkle lightly with sugar.

10. Transfer to baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes or until golden brown on top. Baking times will vary by a few minutes depending on the oven.

11. Transfer to cooling rack and let cool slightly before serving. Serve with butter and honey or good quality orange marmalade.