Add bacon and chocolate to scones…and look out child

by Scotty Irani
Food Columnist

By now, hopefully after the last three years, you wonderful Gayly readers know how much I love a good brunch. Not only for Mimosas and Bloody Marys, but for the wonderful delicious foods you can prepare ahead of time… so you can enjoy those Mimosas and Bloody Marys!

Scones are the perfect brunch pastry. When you add bacon and chocolate to them…look out child! Enjoy your brunch and Happy April! -Scotty

Scones

2 Cups AP Flour

2 tablespoons packed brown sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Pinch of Kosher Salt

1 stick cold butter, cut into chunks

1/2 cup buttermilk

2 eggs beaten

4 strips good quality thick bacon

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Maple Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar

1 tablespoon maple syrup

1-2 tablespoons milk

Preparation

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.

2. Cook the bacon in a frying pan over medium heat, or on a racked cookie sheet in the oven. Let cool on paper towels to absorb the grease, then cut into small bite size pieces.

3. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Cut the butter into the flour mixture with a pastry blender or your fingers until butter is the size of small peas. Add the buttermilk and stir until the mixture just starts to come together. Add the bacon pieces and chocolate chips and use your hands to incorporate them into the dough and bring it together into a ball.

4. On a lightly floured surface, pat the dough into a rough square shape about 1 inch thick. Cut the dough into 4 large scones, or 8 smaller scones. Place the scones about 2 inches apart on the prepared sheet pan and brush tops with egg wash.

5. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until tops are golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.

6. In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk and stir until smooth. Add additional milk if needed to achieve the right consistency. Drizzle onto the cooled scones and let sit for 10 minutes before serving.

Scones will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

The Gayly- 4/22/2016 @ 9:23 AM CDT