Breakfast Scones

Strictly speaking these scones were not something out of one of my notepads (but they are now). I invented them whilst faffing about in the kitchen (for a change) last Saturday morning. Knowing Mr.T would come in starving after a gruelling mountainbike ride, I needed to make something quick, tasty and filling. These savoury scones ticked all three boxes! In fact, they were so popular with everyone in the family that my children have asked if I can make them some to take to school for lunch instead of sandwiches. It is for this reason that I decided this should be the next recipe I share with you. This recipe makes a bakers dozen (13) medium sized scones and as well as being a fabulous breakfast snack, they could also be served at buffets and picnics. Good cold, but great hot - let me know what you think.

INGREDIENTS

200g SR Flour
Pinch Salt & freshly ground black Pepper
1 tsp Mustard powder
1/2-1 tsp Cayenne (depending how much of a kick you like)
2 Eggs
3 tbsp Milk (or slightly more - to bind into a sticky dough)
5 Spring onions (or chives), sliced finely
100g thick lean bacon, cubed (lardons will do as long as they aren't too fatty)
1 tsp sunflower oil
75g strong cheddar, grated (plus a handful for sprinkling over scones, if wished)

METHOD

1] Preheat oven to 220 degrees Celsius (gas 7) or 200 degrees if a fan oven.
2] Fry bacon in sunflower oil until cooked, but not crisp. Allow to cool.
3] In a large bowl, mix all dry ingredients together, then add spring onions & cooled bacon and mix through.
4] Add 1 egg and enough milk to mix to a sticky dough.
5] Turn out onto a floured surface and roll until about half an inch (1.5 cm) thick.
6] Using a circular pastry/cookie cutter, cut out the scones and place on an oiled baking tray. (Re-roll the offcuts together and continue, but do not re-roll pastry too often as it will spoil the texture of the scones).
7] Using the yolk only of the remaining egg, whisk in a teaspoon of water, then brush over the top of the scones. Sprinkle the tops with more grated cheese (if you wish).

8] Cook for about 10 minutes, until nicely golden, then serve hot as they are or split in half and buttered.

MR.T Rating 9.5/10
I'm not normally a fan of scones, but these are light as a feather and really delicious. Please can I have some more?