Candied Orange And Golden Raisin Scones Food

CANDIED ORANGE

Steps:

• Cut tops and bottoms off of the orange and score the orange into quarters, cutting down only into the peel and not into the fruit. Peel the skin and pith of the orange in large pieces, use the orange for another recipe. Cut the peel into strips about 1/4-inch wide. Put the orange peel in a large saucepan with cold water to cover, bring to a boil over high heat. Then pour off the water. Repeat 1 or 2 more times depending up how assertive you want the orange peels to be. (Test kitchen liked the texture of a 3 time blanch best, it also mellowed the bitterness. But it is a matter of preference.) Remove the orange peels from the pan.
• Whisk the sugar with 1 1/2 cups water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 8 to 9 minutes (If you took the sugar's temperature with a candy thermometer it would be at the soft thread stage, 230 to 234 degrees F.) Add the peels and simmer gently, reducing heat to retain a simmer. Cook until the peels get translucent, about 45 minutes. Resist the urge to stir the peels or you may introduce sugar crystals into the syrup. If necessary, swirl the pan to move the peels around. Drain the peels, (save the syrup for ice tea.) Roll the peels in sugar and dry on a rack, for 4 to 5 hours. Return to the sugar to store.
• Cook's Note: One way to use orange peels is to stuff a dried date with a piece of orange peel and almond, then dip the entire thing into dark chocolate.

RAISIN SCONES

Steps:

• Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
• Cut butter into bits and, with your fingertips or a pastry blender, blend into flour mixture until it resembles coarse meal.
• Using a fork, stir raisins and milk until just combined.
• Transfer to a lightly floured surface and, with floured hands, knead until it forms a dough.
• Roll out dough into a 9-inch round (about 1/2 inch thick) and cut out scones with a 2 1/2-inch round cutter.
• Arrange scones 1 inch apart on a buttered large baking sheet and gently reroll and cut out scraps.
• Bake scones in middle of a 425°F oven until pale golden, about 15 minutes, and transfer to a rack to cool.

ORANGE AND RAISIN SCONES

Steps:

• Put the flour in a mixing bowl or a food processor. Add the butter and rub in with your fingertips or process until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Stir in the sugar, raisins and orange rind.
• Add all but 1 tablespoon of the egg then gradually mix in enough of the milk to mix to a soft but not sticky dough.
• Knead lightly then roll out on a lightly floured surface until 1.5cm (3/4 inch) thick. Stamp out circles using a plain round biscuit cutter.
• Transfer to a lightly greased baking sheet. Reknead the trimmings and continue rolling and stamping out until you have made 9 scones.
• Brush the tops with the reserved egg and bake in a preheated oven, 200C (400F), Gas Mark 6, for 10-12 minutes until well risen and the tops are golden. Leave to cool on the baking sheet.

RAISIN SCONES

Steps:

• In a bowl, combine dry ingredients. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in raisins and buttermilk just until moistened. Turn onto a floured surface; knead gently 6-8 times. Pat into an 8-in. circle and cut into 12 wedges. Place 1 in. apart on a greased baking sheet. Beat egg white until foamy; brush over scones. Sprinkle with sugar. Bake at 425° for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.