Applewood Smoked Bacon & Cotswold Scones
What is it about the holidays that makes all the work you’ve put into eating healthy all year suddenly disappear? I suppose we all deserve to splurge occasionally, and enjoy the foods put in front of us that look inviting.
Every time I go to a bakery I see muffins, & scones, along with a myriad of other delectable goodies. I rarely, if ever indulge, since I know once I start, it’s challenging to stop. However, when I was at the market the other day and saw those thick strips of Applewood Smoked Bacon, all I could think of was a good ole’ fashion breakfast.
After bringing home the bacon my mind thought of all the tasty dishes I could create with it, and decided on those scones that I forbid myself to indulge in. Since I had an entire fresh wedge of Cotswold in the refrigerator, it seemed like the perfect marriage for my scones.
If you’re not familiar with Cotswold cheese it’s a variation of Double Gloucester, that’s been supplemented with chopped onions and chives giving it that extra bite. Cotswold is a whole milk cheese originating in Gloucestershire County of England. The color ranges from golden yellow to orange, is firm, similar to cheddar, but not as hard. The taste is creamy, buttery, sweet and mild, yet full-flavored like cheddar.
Of course if you can’t find Cotswold or prefer not to use it in this recipe, simply sub out plain sharp cheddar, and if desired, add in scallions or chives . Once you review the recipe you may even want to create your own variation to suit your palate.
I think these scones taste best straight from the oven with my Tomato Jam. However, they also taste great plain, with butter, or whatever jams or curd you have on hand. If you prefer making these ahead of time they can quickly be zapped in the microwave to heat up, or savored at room temperature.
Whether making the Applewood Smoked Bacon & Cotswold Scones for guests this holiday weekend or for your own family, they will disappear quickly, so be sure to save one for yourself before they’re all gone!
Applewood Smoke Bacon & Cotswold Scones
Comfort food at its best!
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 Tbsp. baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons fresh ground black pepper
- 1⁄2 cup chilled unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 1 1⁄2 cups grated (.50 lbs) Cotswold or (sharp cheddar cheese with 4 green onions, thinly sliced)
- 10 slices applewood smoked bacon, cooked and chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 3⁄4 - 1 1⁄2 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 Tbsp. water
Directions:
Slightly adapted from the Pastry Queen - Rebecca Rather
Yum, what a great way to start a day! I love scones of all kinds but I think the savory ones are my favorites.
It’s so funny to me, when we were in the Cotswolds, most of the food wasn’t great. But they sure know how to make cheese!
Merry Christmas Vicki!
I bet they make great cheese Cotswold is one of my favorites and made these scones over-the-top delicious! Happy Holidays to you and Scott!
You can never go wrong with the combo of cheese and bacon, can you? These scones look scrumptious, Vicki.
Happy Holiday Season!
Angie
They are so delicious Angie, I hope you’ll give them a try. I’m sure you’ll redo the recipe with one of your favorite flours so be sure to share with me if you do. Happy Holidays!
We can’t get Applewood bacon down here but the cheese is available if we look. Those scones look amazing!
Have a very merry Christmas, Vicki!
Any bacon will work Maureen – pick your favorite. These are so tasty and I stored what wasn’t devoured immediately in a zip-lock bag keeping it moist until next time. Just be sure not to store in baggies until completely cool otherwise moisture will form in the bag. Happy Holidays!
They sound perfect and cheese is so good in scones, with some herbed butter, yum.
Hope you are doing well and HAPPY HOLIDAYS. Merry Christmas!!
xoxo
Ooh an herb butter would be perfect with this! Happy Holidays to you as well and a Happy, Healthy, & Prosperous 2016!
It’s hard to avoid eating too much at this time of the year, isn’t it? So our motto is, if we’re going to overindulge, at least make it good stuff! And this is good stuff. 🙂 Hope your holidays are wonderful!
I agree, no use it wasting calories on mediocre food. Happy Holidays to you and Mrs. KR. All the best for 2016!
What a delightful, savory scone! Perfect for Christmas morning! Happy holidays to you and your lovely family! xo
Thanks Liz, Happy Holidays to you and your family too! Wishing you all the best for 2016 – Peace, Happiness, Health & Prosperity!
Oh my, these sounds wonderful, Vicki! I’ve never tasted Cotswold cheese but, from your description, it sounds wonderful. I’ll have to see if the upscale market nearby sells it as I’d love to try these scones but I do have sharp cheddar if I can’t find it. Happy Holidays, Vicki, and a very Happy New Year to you!
Happy Holiday season break! Looking forward to see more great recipes in 2016! Love the scones… they look gorgeous!
Vicki this look absolutely delicious!!
Hope you had an amazing and beautiful Christmas!!
gloria