APRICOT AND WHITE CHOCOLATE SCONES

1¾ c. all-purpose flour

¼ c. granulated sugar

2 tsp. baking powder

¼ tsp. salt

1/3 c. chilled butter, cut into ¼-inch pieces

1/3 c. finely chopped dried apricots, divided

2/3 c. white chocolate baking chips, divided

1 egg

About 1/3 c. half-and-half cream

1/3 c. white chocolate baking chips

Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a cookie or baking sheet with shortening or lightly spray with vegetable cooking spray. In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. With a pastry blender or two knives cut butter into flour mixture until particles are the size of small peas. Reserve 2 Tbs. chopped apricots for topping. Stir remaining chopped apricots and 1/3 c. white chocolate chips into flour mixture.

Add egg and just enough half-and-half until dough just leaves side of bowl and forms a ball. When making scones, work the dough quickly and do not over-mix. Place dough on a lightly...