The Realtors Cheesy Pepper Scones Food

CLASSIC CHEESE SCONES

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6 with a large baking tray inside. Sift the flour, salt, cayenne pepper and baking powder into a bowl, then sift again to make sure the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
• Add the butter to the bowl and combine with your fingertips to make breadcrumbs. Sprinkle 100g of the cheese into the breadcrumb mixture and rub together until evenly distributed. Try not to mix too much as the heat from your hands may start to melt the butter.
• Make a well in the centre of the mixture and pour in enough milk to give a fairly soft but firm dough. Do not pour in all the milk at once as you may not need it all to get the right consistency.
• Lightly flour a surface and roll out the dough to approximately 2cm thick. Cut out the scones with a medium (about 8cm) cutter, then put on a sheet of baking parchment, glaze with a little milk and sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Slide onto the hot oven tray.
• Bake in the oven for 15-20 mins or until golden brown and cooked through.

BACON-CHEDDAR CHEESE SCONES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• In a medium skillet, cook the bacon, stirring, until crisp, about 5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain well on paper towels. Into a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Cut in the butter, cheese, green onions, and pepper with a pastry blender or fork, and work just until it starts to form lumps and come together. Add the bacon. Add 1 cup of the cream and work just until it becomes a sticky dough, being careful not to overwork.
• Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and pat until it comes together. Form into 2 large circles, about 7 inches in diameter and 3/4 inch thick and cut each into 8 wedges with a sharp knife. Transfer to baking sheet with a spatula, leaving 1/2-inch space between each wedge. Paint the tops of the wedges lightly with the remaining 2 tablespoons of cream and bake until golden brown, 22 to 23 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly on the baking sheet. Serve warm.

ROASTED RED PEPPER SCONES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 500 degrees F.
• In a food processor, blend flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pepper briefly (about 3 pulses). Add butter and process to a "mealy" consistency. Add herbs, cheese, and roasted red peppers, processing briefly to combine. Transfer mixture into a large bowl, add 1 cup buttermilk and stir to moisten. If needed, add more buttermilk, up to 1/4 cup.
• Place dough on a floured surface and form into a disk, 3/4 to 1-inch in thickness. Cut into wedges, brush top of each wedge with egg wash. Place on a cookie sheet and bake for approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Place on rack and let cool to room temperature.