Description:

From the Alegria Inn in Mendocino, CA

Source:

www.alegriainn.com

Serves/Makes:16 scones

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup (150 ml) light brown sugar
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) softened butter
• 1-1/2 tsp (7 ml) cinnamon, divided use
• 3 cups (700 ml) flour, plus more for dusting
• 1/3 cup (80 ml) granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) baking powder
• 1/2 tsp (2 ml) salt
• 1/2 cup (125 ml) cold butter cut into 1 tbsp (15 ml) pieces
• 3/4 cup (175 ml) heavy cream or 1/2 and 1/2
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp (5 ml) pure vanilla extract
• 3/4 tsp (4 ml) grated or chopped lemon or orange zest (opt.)
• Icing:
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) cream cheese, softened
• 1 tsp (5 ml) fresh lemon juice
• 2 cups (475 ml) confectioners' sugar

Preparation

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees (225 C.).
• Line two heavy baking sheets with parchment paper or spray with non-stick spray or use a Silpat.
• In a food processor, combine light brown sugar, 2 tbsp (30 ml) softened butter and 1 tsp (5 ml) cinnamon; pulse until soft crumbs form. Transfer to a small bowl.
• In the processor, combine flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, 1/2 tsp (2 ml) cinnamon and 1/2 cup (125 ml) cold butter cut into 1 T pieces; pulse until the mixture resembles small peas.
• Transfer to very large bowl & make a well in the center.
• Combine cream, egg, vanilla extract, and lemon or orange zest; toss with flour mixture until firm dough forms.
• Crumble the brown sugar mixture over the dough and knead it into the dough, leaving some streaks. Lightly dust a work surface with flour. Turn the dough out onto it and knead a few times.
• Divide dough in half and pat each piece into an 8-10 inch round.
• Cut each round into 8 wedges, then transfer scones to the baking sheets and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes. (You may freeze them at this point, then store in a freezer bag or container for up to 3 months.)
• Bake for 11 to 15 minutes or until browned.
• In a medium bowl, beat together cream cheese, lemon juice, and confectioners' sugar until smooth.
• Spread or drizzle the icing on warm scones. (Heat icing just a bit for easier spreading.)

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