Cranberry Scones

Cranberry scones are a nice snack for hot weather as they don't take long to bake.  In addition, cranberries are especially good for us, and they add a different sort of taste to an old favorite treat.  This recipe uses dried cranberries, as the fresh ones are difficult (maybe impossible?) to find in the summer months.

Ingredients:

2 c. flour
6 t. stevia that measures like sugar
2 t. baking powder
¼ t. baking soda
1/3 c. oil
1 c. dried cranberries
¼ c. orange juice
¼ c. almond milk
1 egg

In a bowl, combine flour with stevia, baking powder, and soda.  In another bowl, combine oil, cranberries, orange juice, almond milk, and the egg. 

Add the milk mixture to the flour mixture and stir until soft dough forms.  On a floured surface, knead 6 to 8 times.  Pat dough into an 8-inch circle. 

Place on an ungreased baking sheet and score the dough into six wedges.  Bake at 400 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes.  Serve warm or cold.

More about Cranberries:

Cranberries are native to North America, and they have been valued for a long time—not only for their tart flavor, but also for their powerful health benefits. Cranberries have a lot of antioxidants in them, particularly polyphenols and flavonoids. These compounds contribute to lower inflammation and a reduced risk of chronic diseases. In fact, cranberries have one of the highest antioxidant capacities among commonly eaten fruits.

Maybe their most celebrated benefit is their support for urinary tract health. Cranberries contain chemicals which prevent harmful bacteria from sticking to the walls of the bladder and urinary tract. This action helps reduce the likelihood of infections, especially in those prone to recurrent UTIs.

Besides all this, cranberries are a rich source of vitamin C, good for immune function and healthy skin. They're also packed with fiber, which helps in digestion. Although these berries are naturally tart, the dried fruit can sometimes have a lot of sugar in them.  You can, however, get lower sugar varieties.

Cranberries are really versatile.  Besides being tasty in scones, they can be added to sauces, other baked goods, teas, and even more savory dishes.