Apple Almond Scones

There is nothing I love more than a cups of black coffee paired with a sweet scone. Soon, our dietetic intern will be graduating from our department at the VA Medical Center. Per her request, mini sweets and hot tea are on the menu for her going-away party. Because I am still swimming in baskets of apples from my apple-picking trip in Door County, I thought these mini treats seemed like the perfect little accompaniment to a mid-morning (or afternoon) cup of warmth.

Mini Apple Almond Scones (18 servings)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ cup cold butter
• 2 apples, cored and shredded
• ¼ cup dried fruit mixture (or raisins)
• ¼ cup sliced almonds
• ½ cup skim milk

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Use a pastry blender to cut in butter until flour mixture is crumbly.
3. Add shredded apple, dried fruit, and nuts. Stir in milk until dough is soft.
4. Drop by heaping tablespoonful’s onto a cookie sheet.  Bake for 8-10 minutes or until scones are golden brown.