SIMPLE SWEET SCONES

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick)cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1/4 cup granulated sugar (use 1/3 cup for slightly sweeter scones)
2/3 cup milk

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.

In large bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. Stir to mix well. Add butter. Cut in with pastry blender or rub in with fingers until butter is size of small peas. Add sugar. Toss to mix. Add milk. Using fork, stir until soft dough forms.

Using hands shape dough into ball. Place on lightly floured board. Knead a few times until dough just holds together. Gently shape into ball again. Pat or roll into 6-inch circle. Cut into 8 wedges. Place wedges on ungreased baking sheet slightly apart for crisp sides or touching for soft sides.

Bake for 12 minutes or until medium brown on top. Transfer scones to wire rack. Cool completely before serving.

VARIATION:

LAVENDER SCONES

In small saucepan over medium heat, bring milk and 1 tablespoon dried lavender just to a boil. Cool to lukewarm. Strain into measuring cup. Add more milk if needed to measure 2/3 cup. Substitute for liquid in Simple Sweet Scones recipe. Lavender scones are delicious plain or spread with Lavender-Honey Butter (recipe follows).

LAVENDER-HONEY BUTTER
Makes about 1/2 cup

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, at room temperature, divided use
1 tablespoon dried (food-grade) lavender*
1 tablespoon honey

In small pan, melt 1/4 cup butter over medium heat. Stir in dried lavender. Remove from heat. Let stand for 30 minutes. Strain to remove lavender. Cool butter completely. Add cooled butter to remaining 1/4 cup butter. Add honey. Whisk until smooth. Serve at room temperature.

*Find dried lavender in spice section or bulk-foods aisle of markets that carry wide selection of gourmet foods.

Makes 8 scones
Source: Biscuits and Scones by Elizabeth Alston