Saturday, April 30, 2011

Bacon Cheddar Scones



About a week ago, I took my daughter to see a movie at what is the best movie theater in Austin, if not the world, The Alamo Draft House. They have great food, drinks and just an all around fantastic movie going experience. We saw Rio, by the way - highly recommended for kids and adults.

One of the treats of seeing an early movie on the weekend is you have access to their brunch menu, more specifically, the Bacon-Cheddar Scones. After having them last weekend, I was determined to find a recipe that would duplicate the heavenly-ness of the Alamo's and I think I found it.

Make it for the mom (or anyone you like) in your life this weekend and quickly become the favorite child.


Ingredients
  • 4 slices bacon, chopped
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 stick unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 6 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated (about 1 1/2 cups)
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup heavy cream, plus 2 tablespoons

Directions

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 (i used a fork - super low tech), 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.

Eat and eat and eat them. I can't stop eating them.









Monday, March 14, 2011

Chicken/Turkey Crescent Square

I LOVE this recipe. It was one of my childhood favorites. yes, this recipe has been around for a while. I believe my copy was actually TYPED by my mom.

It is the perfect leftover roast chicken/turkey recipe and is SO adaptable. I'll give you some of my favorite additions below, but seriously: MAKE THIS RECIPE.

Crescent Turkey/Chicken Squares

2 cups leftover cooked turkey or chicken, chopped
One package crescent rolls
3 oz, butter or margarine (I use butter), softened
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 tbsp chopped chives or onion
1/4 cup bread crumbs
salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 325 degrees

Combine turkey/chicken, 2 tbsp butter and cream cheese
Add chives/onion
season to taste with salt and pepper

Combine two crescent rolls together to form a rectangle. Smoosh them together.

Spoon a bit of the chicken/turkey mixture into the crescent roll and twist to close.

Brush a bit of melted butter on the top and sprinkle with bread crumbs.

Bake for 20-25 minutes.

Shannon's Adaptations!!

This is the greatest recipe to throw some veggies into to make healthier. Or, as the case is in my house, sneak some veggies into. I do think the recipe benefits from some crunch.

I always add some of the following:

carrots,
celery,
winter greens of any kind (kale, bok choy, collard greens)
spinach
onions
herbs

Really, add anything you have in the kitchen - I'm sure it'll be good!