This is a real holiday treat with beautiful red cranberries in the spotlight. Having them warm from the oven on Christmas morning is a sure fire way to start the day with good holiday cheer.

MAKES: 12 servings
INGREDIENTS:

• 3 cups all-purpose unbleached flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon orange rind, shredded
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 1/3 cup granulated fine sugar
• 3/4 cup nonfat milk
• 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, coarse chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts, use your favorite
• 1 egg white, lightly beaten
• white sugar for sprinkling

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Spray a cookie sheet with non-stick cooking spray or line with parchment paper.
3. In a large bowl, combine the flour, cream or tartar, soda, salt and orange peel.
4. Add butter and with a pastry blender, cut in butter until mixture is crumbly.
5. Add the sugar and milk, stirring just until the dry ingredients are moistened.
6. Stir in cranberries and chopped nuts of choice.
7. On a lightly floured surface, pat the dough to a 3/4 inch thickness and cut with a 2-1/2 inch round biscuit cutter or into wedges as you prefer.
8. Brush scone tops with the egg white and sprinkle with as much sugar as you like
9. Place on cookie sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until delicately browned.

Tags: cranberry scones, holiday baking, Scones