Shortcut Cinnamon Raisin Cardamom Scones

Makes 8 Scones

Ingredients:

2 C all-purpose flour
1/3 C sugar
2 T baking powder
1/2 t kosher salt
1/2 t cinnamon
1/2 t ground cardamom
1/8 t ground cloves
1 1/2 t vanilla extract
1/4 C light vegetable oil
1/2 C milk
1/3 C raisins
1/4 C raw sugar to sprinkle on top.

Method:

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
• In large bowl add all dry ingredients and mix them well with a spoon to incorporate spices. Add the oil, milk, and vanilla. Stir a few times with a large wooden spoon or spatula. Then add raisins. Finish mixing until it comes together but still looks a bit crumbly. If it won’t hold together when you grab a bit in your hand then add 2 T cream. Remember, do not over mix or scones will be tough. Then empty dough onto floured surface. Don’t worry if there’s still a bit of flour and dough in bowl. Shape into a circle with hands and flatten to a disc about 6 inches or so in diameter and about 1 1/2 inches in thickness. Cut into 8 pie shaped pieces. Transfer to a cookie sheet on top of parchment paper. Top generously with raw sugar. Bake for 15 minutes. Let cool and serve with a drizzle of confectioner’s sugar mixed with orange juice and ½ t vanilla and a dash of salt combined until glaze consistency.

Variations:

• Golden Raisin White Chocolate Chip:  Eliminate the cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. Increase vanilla to 2 teaspoons. Add ¼ C each of white chocolate chips and golden raisins after you mix the milk in and turn it a few times.
• Blackberry: Eliminate the cardamom, and cloves. Toss cut up blackberries in about 2 T of flour. Then add them right after you mix in the milk, as described above and in body of recipe. Top with vanilla glaze.
• Pecan Orange: Eliminate the cloves. Add 1/3 C chopped fresh pecans and 1 T orange zest to mix right after you mix in the milk as described above…
• Ginger Lemon: Eliminate the cinnamon, and cloves and add 1/2 t nutmeg. Add 1 T of fresh grated ginger and the zest of one lemon to the wet ingredients. If you can get candied ginger it is much better. It is usually by the dried fruits. Cut into small, small bits and add 1 T of it to the dry ingredients.
• Or, invent your own by adding walnuts and chocolate chips, currants, or apricots!