Almond Ginger Pear Scones                 

Ingredients:
2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder and ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon baking soda and salt
1/2 cup butter, cut into 8 chunks
3/4 cup diced dried pears
1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted, divided
1/3 cup chopped candied ginger
2/3 cup buttermilk
1 egg, beaten, for tops
additional sugar, for tops



Directions:
Heat oven to 425ºF. In large bowl mix flour, sugar, baking powder, ground ginger, baking soda and salt. Cut in butter with pastry blender or two knives until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the pears, 1/3 cup of the almonds and the candied ginger, toss. Mix in buttermilk just to blend. Gather into a ball and gently knead 3 or 4 times on a lightly floured surface. Pat or roll out 3/4 inch thick. Cut out circles with 2 1/2- to 3-inch round cutter, roll scraps as needed. Place on baking sheet, spacing apart.

Brush tops with egg, sprinkle with remaining almonds, dividing equally, and sprinkle with sugar. Bake in center of oven 12 to 15 minutes until springy to the touch and lightly browned. Remove to rack to cool. Serve warm or at room temperature. Makes 12 scones. To toast almonds, spread in an ungreased baking pan. Place in 350ºF oven and bake 5 to 10 minutes or until almonds are light brown, stir once or twice to assure even browning. Note that almonds will continue to brown slightly after removing from oven.