Ham and Cheese Scones
How can it already be February? Time really does fly, and I often find myself wishing away days – I wish it was Friday, I wish it was spring, I wish it was time for vacation (if only!). While we have been lucky in Minnesota this year and haven’t had much snow this winter, I do not relish the idea of 6 more weeks of freezing temperatures and the ever present threat of snow (thanks for nothing, Punxsutawney Phil). So I will continue to wish away the winter and impatiently wait for the warmer months.
Apart from a 4 month stint in Argentina in college, I’ve lived in Minnesota all my life. While people outside of the Midwest might think we are used to the cold here, that couldn’t be farther from the truth. I despise most aspects of winter – the cold, snow, icy sidewalks/roads that make me slip and fall, and slushy parking lots are not for me. I dream of moving to sunny California and working at a winery… maybe some day!
One thing that makes any cold weekend morning a little more tolerable are these ham and cheese scones. I first stumbled upon this recipe about a year and a half ago on Pinterest, and have been in love with it ever since. They make a perfect breakfast, or a great lunch when paired with some yogurt or a salad. There is a kick of protein, some cheesy goodness, and the diced onion adds the right amount of moisture so they are never dry. The recipe makes 8 big scones that are sure to satisfy (ignore the fact that only 7 are pictured below, quality checks are a hazard of the job for a home cook)!
My copy of this recipe is well-worn, coffee stained, and greatly loved. This is the kind of recipe that is perfect to share with friends and family – who doesn’t love a scone?
- 3 cups all purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 8 tbsp butter chilled and diced into small cubes
- 1 1/8 cups milk
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup Canadian bacon diced (or any type of ham)
- 1/2 large onion diced
- Preheat oven to 400F
- In a large mixing bowl combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in butter with pastry cutter (or the tines of a fork).
- Add milk and mix until just incorporated. Stir in cheese, ham and onion.
- Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead gently for several minutes.
- Press dough into a 1 1/2" thick circle. Cut into 8 wedges and place wedges on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until golden brown.
*Cardinal Rule* If dough is too dry and you are unable to incorporate all the dry ingredients, add more milk one tablespoon at a time until it is all combined.