Scones are a popular breakfast item in my house. These Cranberry Orange Scones from Ina Garten are a great way to usher in the flavors of Autumn, the theme of the week at I Heart Cooking Clubs.

I made these on a Friday then popped them in the freezer before baking so I could bake fresh Saturday morning without all the cooking! I made half a recipe which worked well and I also increased the serving size. I like to make 12 scones from about 2 cups of flour. I also never put a confectioner’s sugar drizzle on my scones. I used the zest of one orange and did not measure, I think the more the merrier. One change I would make, I usually add my dried fruit to the flour mixture before the wet ingredients are added. This ensures an even distribution of fruit. I followed Ina’s instructions of adding them in the end and I did not get an even distribution. This was also my first time using a mixer for making scones. I usually do it by hand with a pastry blender.

Reviews: These were more cake-like than my usual scone but delicious none the less. The orange essence with the cranberries was a great combination. I eat my scones plain but my husband loves jam. He enjoyed these with orange marmalade. Definitely worth a repeat.

This recipe is available at BarefootContessa.com, from the cookbook Barefoot Contessa At Home and at  FoodNetwork.com.