Recipe: Apple Cheddar Scones

It is a bittersweet thing to be married to a man who loves to bake.  The sweet thing is, of course, the results of his time in the kitchen.  The bitter has only to do with the calories!

Gary's scones are absolutely one of my favorite things.  I'm sharing his original recipe, but you should know that he often experiments with different flavors.  Our favorite variation is to substitute smoky Swiss cheese and pear for the cheddar cheese and apple.  Whichever you try, you will not be disappointed.

Apple Cheddar Cheese Scones

2 1/4 cups flour (Gary uses all-purpose)

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

8 tablespoons chilled butter, cut into pieces

1/2 cup lightly packed, grated, sharp cheddar cheese

1 large peeled, shredded apple (Gary likes Fuji)

1/4 cup buttermilk

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  In a bowl, combine first three ingredients with a pastry blender.  Add butter and continue to cut in with pastry blender.  Stir in cheese and apple.  Add buttermilk and stir just until ingredients are combined.  (Don't over-stir)  If the dough is still very crumbly, stir in more buttermilk 1 tablespoon at a time.  Just enough to bring the dough together.

Knead the dough very gently several times on a floured surface.  Pat dough into a round, about 8 inches in diameter and 1/2" thick.  Cut into 8 triangles and placed on a lightly greased baking sheet.

Bake at 400 degrees for 24 minutes or until golden brown.  Cool a bit before serving with your favorite coffee or tea.