Buttermilk Bacon Scones w/ Maple Glaze

Maple Bar + Bacon = Heaven

This concoction has become quite popular and can be found at a lot of doughnut shops these days. I wanted to make something similar...toyed around with the idea of a maple bacon bar inspired cupcake (I still may tackle this), but I decided on a bacon scone drizzled with a maple glaze. I love scones, so this was perfect! And I got to use the dough hook on my Kitchen Aid mixer (I love you husband) for the first time, too...BONUS! These turned out delicious and the recipe can be altered by just replacing the bacon with cranberries, raisins, chocolate chips, etc. You can then make any glaze with powedered sugar and liquid (i.e. fresh squeezed orange juice, extracts, syrups, etc.). Experiment...I dare you!

Buttermilk Bacon Scones w/ Maple Glaze Recipe:

Scones

1 c. Buttermilk

1 egg

2 Tbsp Sugar

3 1/2 c. Flour

2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 c. melted butter (unsalted, if you have it)

1/3 c. chopped/crumbled bacon (try baking your bacon...the texture turns out great)

Preheat oven to 400.

1. Beat together the buttermilk, egg and sugar.

2. Mix 3 cups flour together with the baking powder, soda, & salt.

3. Add about 2/3 of the flour mixture to the buttermilk and stir well.

4. Gradually add the melted butter, incorporating it throroughly into the mixture.

5. Stir in the remaining flour mixture and the bacon. (this is where the dough hook comes in handy, if you have one)

6. You may have to add a bit of flour to form a stiff dough.

7. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for several minutes.

8. Divide into 3 equal parts and shape each part into a thick circle about 4-5 inches across.

9. Cut the circles into quarters with a sharp knife and arrange on a cookie sheet that has been buttered or covered with parchment paper (my preference).

10. Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned (watch that you don't overcook...they'll dry out!)

Glaze

1 1/4 c. Powdered Sugar

1/2 c. Maple Syrup (the real stuff)

1 tsp. Vanilla Paste (or extract)

Combine the three ingredients and then drizzle over the scones after they've cooled for 5 min...or longer. (the warmer the scone, the thinner the glaze will be as it coats)