Here’s a simple recipe for Orange Raisin Scones with Amasi and Orange Juice:
Orange Raisin Scones with Amasi and Orange Juice
Ingredients:
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2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour
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1/3 cup (70g) granulated sugar (you can reduce it if you prefer a less sweet scone)
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2 tsp baking powder
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1/2 tsp baking soda
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1/4 tsp salt
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1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
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1/2 cup (115g) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
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1/2 cup (120ml) Amasi (or plain yogurt if you can’t find Amasi)
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1/4 cup (60ml) fresh orange juice
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1 large egg
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Zest of 1 orange
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1/2 cup (75g) raisins
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1-2 tbsp heavy cream or milk (for brushing on top)
Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
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Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
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In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
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Cut in the Butter:
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Add the cold butter cubes to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. There should be small pea-sized chunks of butter remaining.
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Add the Wet Ingredients:
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the Amasi, orange juice, egg, and orange zest until smooth and combined.
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Pour the wet mixture into the flour-butter mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the scones tough.
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Fold in the Raisins:
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Gently fold in the raisins until evenly distributed in the dough.
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Shape the Scones:
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Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat it into a circle about 1-inch (2.5 cm) thick.
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Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut the dough into 8 wedges (like a pizza). Alternatively, you can shape the dough into smaller rounds using a cookie cutter for mini scones.
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Prepare for Baking:
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Place the scones onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them.
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Brush the tops of the scones with a little heavy cream or milk to give them a golden, shiny finish as they bake.
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Bake:
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Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown on top and cooked through. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
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Cool and Serve:
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Remove the scones from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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These scones are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.
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Optional Glaze (for extra sweetness):
If you’d like to add a little glaze on top for extra sweetness and citrus flavor:
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1/2 cup powdered sugar
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1-2 tbsp fresh orange juice
Mix the powdered sugar with orange juice until smooth, then drizzle over the cooled scones.
Serving Suggestions:
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Enjoy these orange raisin scones with a cup of tea, coffee, or even a glass of fresh juice.
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They’re also great with a spread of clotted cream, butter, or jam (orange marmalade would be a perfect pairing).
Tips:
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Chill the Butter: If your kitchen is warm, you can chill the butter in the freezer for about 10-15 minutes before using it. Cold butter creates flakier scones.
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Add More Flavor: You could throw in some chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) for added crunch, or use dried cranberries instead of raisins for a tart twist.
These Orange Raisin Scones with Amasi are soft and moist inside, with a slightly crisp exterior. The orange juice and zest give them a burst of citrusy freshness, while the raisins provide sweetness. The Amasi makes them wonderfully rich and tender. Enjoy! 😊