Festive Irish Soda Bread Scones for St. Patty's Day

Irish Soda Bread Scones

(makes 6 large or 10 small scones; adapted from this recipe on The Joy of Baking)

3 cups flour (white, whole wheat or half and half; I used just white.)

1/4 cup oats (I used quick cooking oats)

1 tablespoon sugar

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 1/2 cups buttermilk (I used light buttermilk)

Topping:

2 tablespoons buttermilk

2 tablespoons oats

1 tablespoon turbinado sugar (i.e.: Sugar in the Raw)

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Stir together dry ingredients in a medium bowl. Add buttermilk and stir to combine.

2. Mix by hand until a dough starts to form. Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead into a ball. Pat dough into a 7-8 inch circle about one inch thick. Cut into six large or 10 small scones (or whatever shape your heart desires).

3. Transfer scones to baking pan with parchment or that's lightly floured. Brush the tops of scones with buttermilk, then sprinkle the oats and turbinado sugar over them.

4. Bake for 20 minutes or until they're lightly brown and have a hollow sound when you tap the bottoms. Let cool for a few minutes and spread with your favorite jam while they're still warm.