Oat Scones with Apple-Pear Butter

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees; grease a baking sheet or line with parchment.

Combine the flour and oats in the workbowl of a food processor and process until the oats are ground.

In a medium bowl, combine the flour mixture, brown sugar, baking powder and salt.

Cut in the butter with a fork or a heavy-duty electric mixer until hte mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and half and half.

Add to the dry mixture and stir until a sticky dough is formed.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead about 6 times, just until the dough holds together.

Pat the dough into a ¾ inch thick round about 8 inches in diameter.

Cut out the scones with a 2-inch biscuit cutter to make 12 to 14 smaller scones.

Place the scones about 1 inch apart on the baking sheet.

Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until crusty and golden brown.

Serve immediately, split in half and spread with Apple-Pear Butter.

To make Apple-Pear Butter, combine the apples, pears, juice and spices in a heavy saucepan and bring to a boil.

Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook, uncovered, for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Remove from the heat, stir in the butter and cool.

Purée in a blender or food processor until smooth.

Scrape into a springtop glass jar and refrigerate until needed.

Makes about 2 cups, keeps for about 2 months.