Drop Oatmeal Scones

I'm back home in Portland and have been busy catching up around the house and a busy day calls for something simple to bake that makes the house smell great.

Drop Oatmeal Scones are tender, delicious and couldn't be easier. Just use one bowl to make the dough and drop it by spoonfuls onto a sheetpan.

Drop Oatmeal Scones

1 cup old fashioned oatmeal
1 1/2 cups flour
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons shortening
1/2 cup milk
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
2/3 cup dried cranberries (optional)
* You can substitute other dried fruits for the cranberries. Dried apricots and dried cherries are especially good.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
In a large bowl combine oatmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add the shortening and using your fingers cut it into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs.

Add the milk, egg and vanilla and mix until just combined. Add the dried cranberries and drop large spoonfuls onto sheetpan. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.