Pumpkin scones are a great anytime treat!

Pumpkin scones are a perfect anytime treat. As noted in "The Cheese Board Collective Works" cookbook, they have a fluffy, cloudlike texture and their light orange color is very unusual. Other than the occassional slice of pie, when else are you going to enjoy this very healthy vegetable - or is it a fruit? So, anyway, what are we waiting for? Grab a can of jack o'lantern puree and let's get started!

Ok, in a bowl we mix 1 cup pumpkin puree, 3/4 buttermilk, and 1/2 cup heavy cream. In a stand mixer, we put 3 1/2 cups unbleached flour, 1/2 tsp. baking powder, 1 Tbsp. baking soda, 1/4 tsp. grnd. cinnamon, 1/8 tsp. grnd. ginger, 1/8 tsp. grnd. nutmeg, 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, and 3/4 cup sugar...mix until combined. Then add 2 sticks (1 cup) of cold, unsalted butter, cut into 1 inch cubes.

Mix on low speed for 4 minutes, until the butter is pea-sized. Make a well in the center of the mixture and add the wet ingredients. Then mix briefly, just enough to bring everything together. Use a scoop or spoon to make dough balls about 2 inches in diameter and top with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.