BACON, CHEESE, AND CHIVE SCONES

INGREDIENTS

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup low-fat buttermilk

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed

4oz gruyére cheese, grated

4oz sharp cheddar cheese, grated

5 pieces cooked bacon, cut into thin strips

1/3 cup chives, chopped

1 egg

1 tablespoon milk

fresh cracked black pepper

directions

In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, cut in the butter to coat the pieces with flour. The butter should be in tiny pieces and should look like coarse crumbs.

To the flour and butter, add both cheeses, bacon, and chives.

Next, add the buttermilk and fold everything together, being careful not to overwork the dough.

Form 12 medium sized mounds out of the dough and place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet.

Place the baking sheet into the fridge for 30-60 minutes.

Preheat oven to 400F.

In a small bowl, whisk the egg together with 1 tablespoon of milk.

Once the dough is chilled, remove the scones from the fridge and brush each scone with the egg wash. Top each scone with a fresh cracked black pepper and bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown.

Serve warm.