Cherry almond ricotta drop scones

By duckieq

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup dried tart cherries
• 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
• 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar, divided
• 1 teaspoon grated orange rind
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon fat-free buttermilk, divided
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 4.5 ounces whole-grain pastry flour (about 1 cup)
• 3.4 ounces unbleached all-purpose flour (about 3/4 cup)
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, diced
• 1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten

Preparation

Step 1

1. Preheat oven to 425°.

2. Combine cherries and juice in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at HIGH 1 minute; let stand 5 minutes. Drain; discard liquid. Finely chop cherries.

3. Combine ricotta cheese, 1 tablespoon sugar, rind, and vanilla in a medium bowl. Reserve 1/2 cup of the ricotta mixture. Add 1/3 cup buttermilk and canola oil to remaining ricotta mixture, stirring until smooth.

4. Weigh or lightly spoon flours into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flours, remaining 3 tablespoons sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl; cut in butter with a pastry blender or 2 knives until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add cherries and almonds; toss. Add buttermilk mixture; stir just until combined.

5. Drop dough by 1/4 cupfuls 3 inches apart onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Combine egg and remaining 1 tablespoon buttermilk, stirring with a whisk. Gently brush top and sides of dough with egg mixture. Bake at 425° for 15 to 16 minutes or until golden. Remove from pan; cool slightly on a wire rack.

6. Beat the reserved ricotta mixture at medium speed 3 minutes or until fluffy. Serve with warm scones.