Date, orange & chocolate buttermilk scones

Created by Darren Purchese | Serves 12-16

INGREDIENTS

  • 500g plain flour
  • 30g baking powder
  • 125g caster Sugar
  • A pinch of salt
  • 125g unsalted butter
  • 200ml buttermilk
  • 1 orange, fine zest
  • 175g dates, pitted, chopped flesh
  • 85g dark chocolate, chopped
  • 1 egg, splash milk, pinch salt for the egg wash

METHOD

  1. Sieve the flour and baking powder together into a mixing bowl and add the sugar and salt.
  2. Using your fingertips or the paddle of an electric mixer, crumb the ingredients until you have a light sandy texture.
  3. Add the buttermilk, dates, orange zest and the chocolate; continue to knead until the dough has been formed. Cover the dough in a bowl with cling-film and leave to rest for 15 minutes.
  4. Using a rolling pin and a lightly floured work surface, roll out the dough to 3cm thick and cut out the scones using a 50mm round cutter. Repeat this process twice with the trimmings. Discard any left over trimmings.
  5. Place the scones on a baking tray lined with silicone paper or baking paper.
  6. Using a pastry brush, glaze the tops of the scones neatly with the egg wash. Bake at 180°C for approx 12-15 minutes. Leave to cool for 10 minutes before serving.

 

You can try other variations by combining dry goods with the finished dough before cutting. For example: Sultanas, Choc Chips, Dried Apricots, Citrus Zest and Nuts. These scones are delicious served warm with organic fruit preserves and clotted cream. Sliced strawberries and crème fraiche can be used for a lighter alternative.

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