Apricot Scones

Devonshire Cream
3 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 to 1/3 cup whipping cream

Scones
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup cold butter or margarine
1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 teaspoon grated orange peel
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons whipping cream, divided
Jam of your choice

Devonshire Cream: In a small mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, confectioners' sugar and vanilla extract until fluffy. Gradually beat in enough cream to achieve a spreading consistency. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours.

Scones: Combine the dry ingredients in a bowl. Cut in butter until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Add apricots, pecans and orange peel. With a fork, rapidly stir in 1 cup whipping cream just until moistened. Turn onto a floured surface; knead 5 or 6 times. Divide in half; shape each into a ball. Flatten each ball into a 6-inch circle; cut each circle into eight wedges. Place 1 inch apart on an ungreased baking sheet. Brush with remaining whipping cream. Bake at 375 degrees F for 13 to 15 minutes or until a wooden pick comes out clean.

Serve with Devonshire Cream and jam.

Yields 16 scones.