Apple Smoked Bacon And Cheddar Scones

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This recipe comes courtesy of rebecca rather--her new cookbook is entitled the pastry queen: royally good recipes from the texas hill country's rather sweet bakery and cafe--i hope you enjoy it.

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Steps

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Preheat oven to 400f.

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Using a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment , combine flour , baking powder , salt and pepper in a large bowl on low speed.

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With the mixer running , gradually add the cubes of butter until the mixture is crumbly and studded with flour-butter bits about the size of small peas.

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Add the grated cheese.

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Mix just until blended.

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Add the green onions , bacon and 3 / 4 cup buttermilk to the flour and cheese mixture.

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Mix by hand just until the ingredients are incorporated.

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If the dough is too dry to hold together , use the remaining buttermilk , adding one tablespoon at a time , until dough is pliable and can be formed into a ball.

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Stir as lightly and as little as possible to ensure a light-textured scone.

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Remove dough from bowl and place on a lightly floured flat surface.

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Pat the dough into a ball.

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Using a well-floured rolling pin , flatten the dough into a circle about 8 inches wide and 1 / 2 inch thick.

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Cut the dough into 8 to 10 wedges , depending o.

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Ingredients

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all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, fresh ground black pepper, unsalted butter, cheddar cheese, green onions, apple-smoked bacon, buttermilk, egg, water