Recipe: Bacon, Egg, and Cheddar Scones

Bacon, Egg, and Cheddar Scones

Makes 6 scones

Bacon, Egg, and Cheddar Scones Scones, which originated in England, are similar to biscuits, but they are much richer. They are made from a short pastry, with lots of butter and cream incorporated into the dough. They are very flaky and tender. They are usually cut into large triangles.

Once on a morning walk I passed an elegant coffee bar in downtown Seattle. There on the counter were the most gorgeous scones, labeled Bacon and Egg Scones. I had never heard of this variation before, but I thought it was a great idea, combining all the ingredients for a complete breakfast into a handheld meal.

2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold
3 large eggs
3/4 cup heavy cream
2 ounces Cheddar, shredded (1/2 cup)
2 large eggs, lightly scrambled and
broken up into pieces about 1 inch square
3 strips bacon, partially cooked and
cut into 1/2-inch -wide strips

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Lightly butter a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.

Sift the flour; baking powder; and salt together. Place in either a medium bowl or the work bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade. Cut the butter into the flour so that it is completely incorporated, using two knives, a pastry blender; or your hands, or process until incorporated. Beat 2 of the raw eggs and the cream together and add to the dry ingredients. Mix or process just to incorporate the eggs into the flour and butter; do not overmix. If using the processor; transfer to a bowl. Fold the cheese, scrambled eggs, and bacon into the flour mixture. It will be sticky and chunky. Stir and knead the dough as little as possible while distributing the cheese, scrambled eggs, and bacon throughout.

Transfer the dough to a well-floured work surface. Pat the dough into a rectangle about 12 x 4 x 3/4 inch high. Cut the dough into three 4-inch squares. Cut the squares on the diagonal to form triangles.

Place the scones at least 1 inch apart on the baking sheet. Beat the remaining 1 egg with 2 tablespoons water and use this wash to brush the tops of the scones.

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove and serve warm.

Buy the Book!

The Cheese Lover's Cookbook and Guide
By Paula Lambert
Simon & Schuster, November, 2000
Hardback, $35.00
384 pages, 16 full-color photo-illustrations
ISBN: 0-684-86318-9
Recipe reprinted by permission.