So I had bought a carton of fresh strawberries with the intention of making some kind of dessert with them for the Fourth of July, preferably strawberry shortcakes.  But July 4th came and went, and the hustle and bustle that is going to picnics and setting off fireworks illegally in someone’s backyard prevented me from being home to make said shortcakes.  So, I decided instead to make one of my favorite baked goods later in the week: scones.

I did a little Googling, and found Ina Garten’s recipe; but since hers call for dried strawberries, I had to adjust accordingly.  I also took a look at some of the reviews, and consequently reduced the amount of salt she calls for, while adding vanilla for flavor.  The result was melt-in-your-mouth awesome.  I recommend eating them right out of the oven, with some clotted cream, if you can get your hands on any.

Yields about 20 scones.

4 c. plus 1 tbsp. all-purpose flour
2 tbsp. sugar, plus additional for sprinkling
2 tbsp. baking powder
1 1/2 tsp salt
3 sticks cold unsalted butter, diced
4 eggs, lightly beaten + 1 egg (for egg wash)
1 c. cold heavy cream
2 tsp. vanilla
1 c. fresh strawberries, diced
2 tbsp. milk, for egg wash

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. In large bowl, mix 4 c. flour, 2 tbsp. sugar, baking powder, and salt. Blend in the cold butter on low speed and mix until the butter is in pea-sized pieces. In small bowl, combine 4 eggs and heavy cream; quickly add to the flour/butter mixture. Combine until just blended. Toss the strawberries with 1 tbsp. flour; fold gently into dough. The dough may be a bit sticky; no worries.

Dump the dough onto a well-floured surface and be sure it is well combined. Flour your hands and a rolling pin and roll the dough 3/4-inch thick. (You will see lumps of butter in the dough.) Cut into triangles. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a Silpat.

Beat 1 egg with 2 tbsp. milk for egg wash; brush on top of the scones, then sprinkle with sugar.  Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the outsides are crisp and the insides are fully baked.  Devour while warm.