Maids-of-Honor

Ingredients and Weight:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup finely chopped cranberries
• 1 cup finely chopped candied orange peel

Preparation Time:

20 minutes

Cooking Time:

25-30 minutes

Difficulty Level:

2 (Simple)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease and flour an 8-inch square baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, flour, baking soda, and salt until well blended.
3. Add the sugar and beat until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the egg one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
5. Alternately add the buttermilk and the flour mixture to the batter, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Stir in the cranberries and orange peel.
6. Spread the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Nutritional Information:

Per slice (1/8 of recipe):

• Calories: 320
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 55mg
• Sodium: 180mg
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 20g
• Protein: 5g

Dish Characteristics:

• Rich and buttery
• Flaky and tender
• Sweet and tangy
• Festive for any occasion

User Comments:

• "These are the best scones I've ever had!"
• "The cranberries and orange peel add a perfect touch of sweetness and tartness."
• "The recipe is so easy to follow, even for a beginner."
• "I love serving these with a cup of tea."
• "The maids-of-honor are always a hit at my parties."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• For a more traditional English flavor, use clotted cream instead of butter.
• If you don't have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk.
• Let the scones cool for a few minutes before serving to allow them to set and firm up.