GINGERBREAD SCONE MIX

Directions

• To make the mix:
• Combine the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, salt, baking soda, cloves and nutmeg. Using a pastry blender - or your fingers - I used my hands after a couple of swipes with the blender (I think you could do it in the food processor - but not really necessary)
• Cut in the shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• For each gift, spoon 1 3/4 cups of the mix into a plastic bag or jar. Seal and store up to 6 weeks at room temperature (up to 6 mos. in freezer).
• Include instructions with the gift/mix.
• Scone Directions:
• Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
• 1 3/4 cups scone mix
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 Tbs. milk
• 1 Tbs. molasses
• More milk and sugar for garnish, if desired
• Pour the scone mix into a medium size bowl and make a "well" in the center of mixture.
• Beat egg - in a small bowl - or measuring cup - add molasses and milk and combine with beaten egg. Pour liquid into the "well" of the dry mixture and combine well until well moistened. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently 10 times or until the dough is smooth. Form a 6 to 8 in. circle (depending on how thick you want your scones) and cut into 8 wedges. (they are generous) Place wedges 1 in. apart on an ungreased baking sheet. Brush w/ additional milk and sprinkle with sugar if desired. (I did this and it adds a nice touch)
• Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until bottoms are brown. Serve warm.