Fresh Cherry Buttermilk Scones

Cooks who enjoy sweet and savory treats can never have enough recipes for biscuits and scones. I probably make such quick breads at least once a week. I couldn't resist taking advantage of the cherry season and I whipped up a batch of these for friends and family. They certainly did not last long. The only drawback is the laborious task of pitting the cherries, even though I have a cherry pitter. Make sure you don't wear a white shirt when working with these most delicious of fruits, or at least you might want to wear an apron.

Fresh Cherry Buttermilk Scones

Recipe by Lisa Turner Published on August 8, 2010 Simple, moist and delicious buttermilk scones with fresh sweet and tart cherries — great for breakfast or snacks Preparation: 15 minutes Cooking time: 15 to 20 minutes Print this recipe Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups unbleached white or spelt flour 1/4 cup rolled oats 1/4 cup packed brown sugar 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon cream of tartar 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 5 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces 1 cup fresh chopped cherries 1 large egg 3/4 cup buttermilk 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract Instructions: Preheat an oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt. Cut the butter into the mixture with a pastry cutter or fork until the butter resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the cherries and make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk and vanilla. Pour into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Knead a few times and shape the dough into 1-inch rounds. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet, leaving an inch between each scone. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool on a baking rack and serve. Makes 12 scones

Other quick breads you will be sure to enjoy from Lisa's Vegetarian Kitchen:
Whole Wheat Blueberry Tea Biscuits with Dried Cherries
Cherry Blueberry Muffins
Cherry Vanilla Ricotta Muffins
Raisin Cranberry Tea Biscuits

On the top of the reading stack: Pan by Knut Hamsun
and The Man Who Laughs by Victor Hugo

Audio Accompaniment: Quiet City by Pan American

Here is an image of our street under construction a few weeks ago during the weekend when we had a downpour. What a mess. Thankfully, the doozers take the weekend off as that gives us a break from the noise at least.