Katie's Favorite Scones

1. 3 cups flour
2. 1/3 cup sugar
3. 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
4. 1/2 teaspoon soda
5. 3/4 teaspoon salt
6. 3/4 cup butter
7. 1 cup buttermilk
8. 1/4 cup butter, melted, for brushing on top
9. 1/4 cup sugar, for dusting top
10. Dried blueberries, craisins, chocolate chips or other dried fruit

Stir the dry ingredients together with a whisk. Cut 3/4 cup butter into chunks. Add to flour mixture and crumble with hands, leaving some pea-sized pieces. Pour in buttermilk and mix gently with wooden spoon. If there are dry areas, add a drop or two of buttermilk. Dump dough onto lightly floured surface. Knead dough gently until it holds together nicely, about 10 turns. Roll into circle 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick. Brush with melted butter. Dust with sugar and add dried fruit or other topping. Place on ungreased sheet for 12 minutes. You may also roll dough into rectangle 1/2-inch thick, brush, dust and roll lengthwise; seal edge and slice into 1-inch slices. The secret to tender scones is to not work the dough too much.