Cranberry Date Scones

==Description==
Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group
* Makes 12 scones
== Ingredients ==
* 3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
* ½ cup sugar
* grated zest of 1 large orange
* 1 tablespoon baking powder
* ½ teaspoon baking soda
* ½ teaspoon salt
* 1½ sticks(6 ounces) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
* 1 heaping cup fresh or frozen cranberries (5 ounces)
* ½ cup chopped pitted dates
* 1 cup cold buttermilk
* 2 tablespoons sugar mixed with ⅛ teaspoon each cinnamon, allspice and mace, for sprinkling
== Directions ==
# Preheat the oven to 400 °F.
# Line a 15-by-12-inch baking sheet with parchment paper.
# In a medium bowl, combine the flour, the ½ cup of sugar; the orange zest, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
# 1cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
# Add the cranberries and dates and toss.
# Stir in the buttermilk until a stiff dough forms.
# Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and knead gently just until the dough comes together.
# Divide the dough in half and pat each piece into a 7-inch round about ¾-inch thick.
# Sprinkle the tops with the spiced-sugar mixture.
# Using a knife, cut each round into 6 wedges.
# Arrange the wedges ½ inch apart on the baking sheet.
# Bake in the middle of the oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown.
# Serve warm.
Category:Cranberry Recipes
Category:Dates Recipes
Category:Orange peel Recipes
Category:Scone Recipes
Category:World Recipes