Irish Soda Bread Scones

With one last nod to St. Patrick's Day, we had a request to share the recipe for Irish Soda Bread Scones that were served at our tea this past week. After receiving permission from Bruce Richardson of Elmwood Inn Fine Teas, we're happy to be able to share this recipe. Bruce and his wife Shelley owned and operated the Elmwood Inn Tea Room in Kentucky for many years before closing in 1990. During the time they owned the tea room, they wrote several cookbooks that feature the tea fare that was served in their Inn. This recipe is from A Year of Teas at the Elmwood Inn. Although they no longer own the tea room, they have a beautiful gift shop related to all things tea in Danville, KY which I was able to visit in 2014 and shared that experience in this blog post. Do visit if you are ever in the area.

Irish Soda Bread Scones

2 c. flour

2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. baking soda

2 Tbsp. light brown sugar, packed

1/2 tsp. caraway seed

6 Tbsp. butter

1/2 c. buttermilk

1 egg

1/2 c. chopped walnuts

1/2 c. golden raisins

1 Tbsp. cream

1 Tbsp. sugar

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly grease a large baking sheet. Combine flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda, brown sugar, and caraway seed. With a pastry blender, cut in butter, until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs Add raisins and nuts. Whisk buttermilk and egg together, then add to flour mixture. Mix together until a soft ball of dough forms. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently, turning five or six times. Roll dough out with a floured rolling pin to 1/2 inch thickness. using a round biscuit cutter, cut scones out and place on baking sheet. lightly brush the tops with cream and sprinkle with sugar. bake 10 - 12 minutes or until light brown. Proudly serve forth.