Bacon and Cheddar Cheese Scones

I saw this recipe at a baking demonstration and it looked so good and easy that I went home that day and made it.  I have made it a few times and have been trying to make it my own.  I like it best with chunks of cheese instead of grated and I like a variety or herbs instead of just one.


I have made this for breakfast, sent it to school with my kids for lunch, and it is nice with a lighter soup or salad too.  This would be great to take on a little picnic with some fresh fruit and some wine. A

I like to make it in the morning, as it will be good hot, cold or even at room temperature.

When I was at the baking demo, the woman from King Arthur Flour suggested that we play around with the ingredients, just to make sure that you have a meat, a cheese and a green.
Next, I am going to try mozzarella, basil and pancetta.

Bacon and Cheddar Cheese Scones


2 Cups flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 TBSP baking powder
2 tsp sugar
4 TBSP COLD unsalted butter, cut into cubes
1 cup diced cheddar cheese
1/2 cups fresh herbs, chopped
( basil, parsley, thyme)
1/2 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
3/4 cup heavy cream, or enough to form dough, plus more for brushing top


Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Prepare a sheet pan, either by
lightly greasing, lining with parchment or  use a silpat.

Whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, and sugar.

Work in the cold butter until the mixture is course crumb texture.

Mix in the cheese, bacon and herbs until distributed evenly.

Add 3/4 cup of cream, stirring to combine. Try squeezing the dough together, you may need to add more, just until the dough comes together.

Transfer the dough to the prepared sheet.. Pat into a smooth disk shape.

Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the disk into 8 wedges, separate each wedge slightly.

Brush the scones with a bit of the cream, to help with browning.

Bake 22-24 minutes, until golden brown.

Remove and cool slightly before serving.

German Pancake

I love having breakfast together as a family on a Sunday morning.  The problem is~ my kids LOVE their sleep!! One way to get them to get up is the aroma of a nice breakfast.  The smell of bacon and a sweet pancake.  This pancake puffs up beautifully, but it does deflate when it comes out of the hot oven. This picture is right as I was sprinkling with the powdered sugar.  It is even more delicious when topped with some fresh berries.

6 eggs
1 cup milk
1 cup flour
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 tsp salt 
2 tsp vanilla
2. TBSP butter
Confectioners sugar

Preheat oven to 400.  Whisk together eggs, milk, flour ,sugar ,salt and vanilla in a large bowl.  Melt the butter in a 10 inch cast iron pan over medium heat.   Turn off the heat. Pour the egg mixture into the hot skillet. With pot holders, carefully transfer the hot skillet to the oven and bake for 20 minutes or until pancake is golden and puffed.  Sift confectioners sugar over top of pancake and serve immediately.  

Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

This is the ultimate muffin. It is super chocolates, if that's your thing. And extremely yummy.

1/2 c butter
1/2 c brown sugar
11/2 c mashed ripe bananas
1/4 c milk
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
2 c flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips

Cream together butter and brown sugar. Then add bananas, vanilla, eggs and milk. Stir together then add flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.  Add chocolate chips. Spray muffin tins with nonstick spray and fill with the batter. Bake in a preheated 350 oven for 20-25 minutes.

Overnight French toast

There is nothing better than waking up on a cold morning and having a nice warm breakfast waiting for you.  Now, that never happens to me, but my husband and kids get that all the time. Here is an easy casserole that you make the night before and just pop it in the oven on a chilly morning. If you have a larger family, you can certainly double the recipe. ( I do this, and sometimes put a single serving away for my college girl) A friend even said that she mixes some Nutella in with the cream cheese and it makes it extra special.  

1 8oz block cream cheese, softened
3 TBSP sugar
8 slices cinnamon-swirl bread ( cinnamon raisin)
4 eggs
1/2 c milk
1/2 tsp vanilla
3 cups berries of choice
Powdered sugar

Spray 8x8 pan with cooking spray. Mix cream cheese and sugar until well blended.; spread on all slices of bread.  Place 4 bread slices, cream cheese side up in prepared pan. Cover with remaining bread, cream cheese side down. ( like making a sandwich) Whisk eggs, vanilla and milk until well blended. Pour over bread. Cover and refrigerate. Bake uncovered in a 350 oven for 30-35 minutes or until center is soft and top is golden brown. Serve with mixed berries and a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

Potato frittata with crispy bacon

My family loves a nice breakfast together. Sometimes it is a quick little bowl of cereal , but on the weekend it usually means something special. 

I found the easiest way of cooking bacon , with less mess, less cleanup and the bacon just melts in your mouth.  

Cover a baking sheet with foil, and arrange bacon in a single layer, place in a 400 oven.  Oven temps and bacon are tricky, but mine takes about 30 minutes. Keep an eye on it.  Remove from the oven when crispy. Let sit for a few minutes then drain on paper towels.  It is very crispy and melts in your mouth. You will never go back to getting splattered by pan frying, I promise. 

I never make my frittata the same way, but there is a basic recipe that I follow. I use whatever fresh herbs that I happen to have, and if there are some left ever vegetables, they go in too. I also like to use leftover roasted potatoes in place of the potato.

2 TBSP olive oil

1/2 onion, chopped

1 potato, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 tsp each, salt & pepper

6 large eggs

1/4 c grated Parmesan cheese

2 TBSP fresh basil ( any herb)

In a large oven proof skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until translucent.  Add the potato,garlic, salt and pepper  and sauté until potatoes are tender and golden, about 15 minutes.

Preheat the broiler. In a small bowl combine the eggs, cream, cheese and herbs. Stir the egg mixture into the potatoes. Cook until eggs are almost set, but still runny.

Place the skillet under the broiler and cook until set, about 4 minutes. Using a spatula, loosen frittata and cut into wedges to serve. 

 

Oatmeal with fresh berries

I just recently became obsessed with homemade oatmeal.  I always thought it took so long to make, stirring constantly on the stove. Truth is, it is quick and simple. 

Measure one cup of milk into a small saucepan, add a pinch of salt, and 1/2cup of old fashioned oats. Cook over a medium heat, stirring constantly, until the oatmeal absorbs most of the milk. I add a teaspoon or so of brown sugar after it is done cooking. Top with your favorite berries or Any other favorite fruit. 

Simple, delicious, and heart healthy.