A finalist in the 2000 Share The Very Best Recipe Contest, this recipe was submitted by Patricia Polesko, Drums, PA. Ideal for Sunday brunch or afternoon tea, these buttermilk scones are infused with the flavor of orange zest, golden raisins and mini chocolate morsels, then glazed in a citrus icing that includes fresh-squeezed orange juice.

Donna's Heavenly Orange Chip Scones

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 (6-ounce) package or 1 cup NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Semi-Sweet Chocolate Mini Morsels
1 cup golden raisins
1 tablespoon orange peel, grated
1 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces and softened
1 cup buttermilk
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon orange extract
1 tablespoon milk
Icing (recipe follows)

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease baking sheets.
2. Combine flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt in large bowl. Add morsels, raisins and orange peel; mix well. Cut in butter with pastry blender or two knives until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Combine buttermilk, 2 eggs and orange extract in small bowl. Pour buttermilk mixture into flour mixture; mix just until a sticky dough is formed. Do not overmix. Drop by 1/4 cupfuls onto prepared baking sheets. Combine remaining egg and milk in small bowl. Brush egg mixture over top of dough.
3. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. For best results, bake one baking sheet at a time. Cool on wire racks for 10 minutes. Drizzle scones with icing. Serve warm.

Makes 24 scones.

For Icing: Combine 2 cups powdered sugar, 1/4 cup orange juice, 1 tablespoon grated orange peel and 1 teaspoon orange extract in medium bowl. Mix until smooth.

Estimated Times:
Preparation Time: 20 mins
Cooking Time: 20 mins
Cooling Time: 10 mins cooling

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 290 Calories from Fat: 100 Total Fat: 11 g Saturated Fat: 6 g Cholesterol: 45 mg Sodium: 180 mg Carbohydrates: 45 g Dietary Fiber: 1 g Sugars: 27 g Protein: 4 g

Recipe and photograph are the property of Nestlé® and Meals.com, used with permission.