OATMEAL SCONES WITH DRIED APRICOTS AND CRANBERRIES

Steps:

• Adjust the oven rack to center position and heat oven to 375 degrees.
• Spread the oats in an even layer onto a jelly roll pan or cookie sheet.
• Place in the oven and toast until golden brown and fragrant, about 8 to 10 minutes.
• Remove from the oven and cool completely.
• Wipe the sheet, line with some parchment paper and increase oven temperature to 400 degrees.
• Place the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade.
• Blend briefly to combine.
• Evenly distribute the butter over the dry ingredients and process for a half-dozen 1-second pulses.
• Add the oats and fruit and pulse an additional 6 times, or until the largest piece of butter is about the size of a pea.
• Transfer to a large bowl.
• Stir the buttermilk and egg together in a small bowl or large measuring cup until well-combined.
• Add the mixture to the dry ingredients and mix with a fork or rubber spatula until dough begins to form large wet clumps.
• Turn onto the countertop and knead by hand, incorporating any dry floury bits until it comes together into a rough, sticky ball.
• Pat down into a 6- to 7-inch disk and cut into 8 wedges.
• Transfer the scones onto a prepared baking sheet and bake until dark golden brown, about 15 minutes.
• Cool on a rack for at least 10 minutes before serving.