Sunday, June 19, 2011

Cheddar-Jalapeño Scones

I added about 2-3 finally sliced green onions to the original recipe to give it even more pep.  It worked.  These are fantastic at any time of the day, morning and night.  I got the recipe from Smitten Kitchen, who adapted it from Peter Oleyer at Calexico Carne Asada in Brooklyn via NYMag.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
8 tablespoons (1 stick or 4 ounces) cold butter, diced
1/2 cup heavy cream
3 eggs, divided
1/4 pound sharp Cheddar cheese, diced
2 medium jalapeño peppers, finely minced
3 scallions, finely sliced


Directions

Preheat oven to 400°F. In a small skillet, melt 1/2 tablespoon of butter and sauté the jalapeños for a few minutes, until soft. Let them cool, then place them in a small bowl with the cheddar cheese and coat them with one tablespoon of the flour. Combine the remaining flour with the baking powder and salt. Cut in the remaining butter with a fork or two knives, until the butter bits are pea sized.

Lightly whip two of the eggs and cream and add to the flour and butter mixture. Using a wooden spoon, fold mixture until it begins to come together. Add the cheddar-jalapeño mixture to the dough, as well as the scallions, and mix until everything is incorporated.

Turn out the dough onto a well-floured surface and knead gently for less than one minute. Pat dough out to a 3/4- to 1-inch thickness and either cut into 8 triangles or the shape of your choice with a biscuit cutter. Make an egg wash by beating the remaining egg with a teaspoon of water. Brush the scones with egg wash and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.

These are definitely best on the first day, but can be put back in the oven for a quick warm-up the next day.

Scones are always best the first day.