Apple Pear Scones

I had been thinking about making some scones all day. The only thing I was missing was butter. So, of course, I picked some up on my way home from the gym! The recipe makes some of the best scones I've ever had. I don't normally buy scones at coffee shops because I feel like most of the time they aren't what I'm hoping for. My sister and I made these once when she came to visit me here in Michigan and I've been hooked ever since. The only modification I made tonight was using mostly whole wheat flour. Just trying to make them a little bit healthier.

2 1/2 c. flour

2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 c. sugar

1/4 c. brown sugar

1/2 c. cold butter

1/2 c. diced Golden Delicious apple

1/2 c. diced Bosc pear

2/3 c. buttermilk

In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and sugars. Then, with a pastry blender, cut in the butter until coarse crumbs form. (Cut the butter into smaller pieces before using the pastry blender.) Stir in the fruit, then stir in the buttermilk, just until the dough holds together. (I use my bare hands to completely form the dough together after initially stirring it.) Now, you can do this one of two ways: 1) Transfer dough to a silicone baking sheet if you have one. If not make sure you spray your baking surface with some kind of oil. Shape the dough into a 9 inch round making sure it is about 1 1/2 inches high. Use a pizza cutter and cut the dough like a pizza into 8 wedges. Separate the wedges so there is about 1/2 inch between them. Sprinkle with sugar and bake in a pre-heated 375 degree oven for 22 - 28 minutes or until golden brown. 2) Use an ice cream scoop to place dough on baking sheet and form into smaller scones. I am able to get 12 servings when I do it this way.

Some other flavor combinations I have tried and liked are: dried blueberries or cranberries and white chocolate chips, or dried cherries and almonds. Use a half cup of fruit and a half cup of chips.