Vanilla Bean Scones with Honey Glaze

Submitted by Kristi Goldsberry


Ingredients:
2 whole vanilla beans or 1 1/2 to 2 T. vanilla extract
3/4 heavy cream, plus more if needed
3 c. flour
2/3 c. sugar
5 t. baking powder
1/4 t. salt
2 cold sticks unsalted butter, cut into pats
1 egg

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. If using vanilla beans, slice down the middle lengthwise and scrape out the "caviar" inside. Stir caviar into cream. Set aside for 15 minutes.
3. Sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut butter into flour mixture until crumbled.
4. Mix vanilla cream with egg, then combine with flour mixture. Stir gently with a fork just until it comes together. Turn onto floured surface and lightly press it together until it forms a rough rectangle. (Mixture will be crumply.) Use a roling pin to roll into a rectangle about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick. Use hands to help form as necessary.
5. Use a knife to trim into a symmetrical rectangle, then cut into 12 symmetrical squares/rectangles. Cut each in half diagonally to form two triangles. Transfer to parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Bake for 18 minutes, removing from oven just before they begin to golden. Allow to cool 15 minutes on baking sheet, then transfer to cooling rack to cool completely. Top with glaze.

Glaze:
Ingredients:
1 1/2 c. powdered sugar
1 T. honey
5 T. heavy cream
pinch of salt

Directions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together all ingredients until smooth. Use a butter knife to generously spread atop cooled scones.