Scones!

I love scones and I have a neighbor who makes the best scones I have ever had. She often brings them over hot from the oven, but she will not share her recipe! I have tried many recipes, but until I stumbled upon this one, none compared. Now I can make scones anytime because this recipe is so easy and it's components are staples in my home! 

Using an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment combine the following ingredients:
1 2/3 cups flour
2 Tbsp. sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
Mix on med-low for one minute until well blended. Then add:
1 stick very cold butter, cut into 8 pieces
Now mix on med-low for 3 minutes until the butter is about pea size. 
Add:
1/2 cup chopped dried fruit 
and continue mixing until they are combined. 
I used dried cherries, but the possibilities are endless. Next time I using apricots!!!

In small bowl combine
3 Tbsp. half and half {I used my vanilla coffee creamer}
1 egg
1 egg yolk 
1/2 tsp vanilla 

With the mixer on med-low slowly add egg mixture.  Then mix for 1 -2 minutes until well combined. 
On a floured work surface knead the dough just a few times.. until it all comes together. 
Shape the dough into a 7 inch circle about 1 inch thick. Cut into 8 wedges with a sharp knife. 
Arrange the wedges on a cookie sheet that has been covered with parchment paper. 
 Brush the tops with a mixture of 
1 beaten egg and 
1 Tbsp milk. 
Then sprinkle with granulated sugar.. 

Bake in a preheated 375 degree oven for 16-18 minutes  until golden brown. Cool on  a wire rack.