Simple Scones

Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and preheat oven to 400 degrees.

In a medium bowl mix flour 1/3 cup sugar baking powder baking soda and salt. Grate butter into flour mixture on the large holes of a box grater; use your fingers to work in butter (mixture should resemble coarse meal) then stir in raisins.

In a small bowl whisk sour cream and egg until smooth.

Using a fork stir sour cream mixture into flour mixture until large dough clumps form. Use your hands to press the dough against the bowl into a ball. (The dough will be sticky in places and there may not seem to be enough liquid at first but as you press the dough will come together.)

Place on a lightly floured surface and pat into a 7- to 8-inch circle about 3/4-inch thick. Sprinkle with remaining 1 tsp. of sugar. Use a sharp knife to cut into 8 triangles; place on a cookie sheet (preferably lined with parchment paper) about 1 inch apart. Bake until golden about 15 to 17 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes and serve warm or at room temperature.