DATE-MAPLE DROP SCONES

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon cardamom crushed or ground
1/3 cup butter or margarine
1 egg beaten
1/3 cup maple syrup or maple-flavored syrup
1/3 cup half-and-half or light cream
1/2 cup dates snipped, pitted

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Grease a baking sheet.

In a mixing bowl combine flour, baking powder, and cardamom. Cut in butter or margarine till mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

In a small bowl combine egg, maple syrup, and half-and-half or light cream; stir in dates. Add the liquid mixture all at once to the dry ingredients. Stir just till the mixture clings together. Drop scone batter mixture from a rounded tablespoon onto prepared baking sheet.

Bake in a 400 degree F oven for 12 to 15 minutes or till golden. Serve warm.

Makes 16 scones
Source: Better Homes and Gardens