Barista was home from college last weekend so we decided to tackle something that sounded absolutely fabulous. Something with bacon. Bacon, as you know, is really "in" right now. I've even seen bacon vodka and bacon/maple doughnuts. But this recipe sounded out of this world -- bacon and date scones! Scones -- could we make them gluten free??? Yes! We could and we did and they were fantastic, even to my children who don't have to shun gluten. Here's what we did:
Gluten Free Bacon and Date Scones
6 slices thick cut bacon
2 cups gluten free flour blend (I used Gluten Free Pantry)
½ cup sugar
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
¾ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon coarse sea salt
¾ cup coarsely chopped, pitted dates
½ cup (1 stick) chilled butter
2/3 cup buttermilk
coarse sugar
Cook bacon until crisp, drain on paper towels and crumble. Pour bacon drippings into small bowl and reserve. Stir together flour, ½ cup sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a bowl. Add bacon and dates and mix slightly. Stir in butter with a fork. Add buttermilk, using a wooden spoon or hands to slightly incorporate (do not mix thoroughly). Pat dough into n 8-inch round on cookie sheet that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Cut into 8 wedges. Chill 2 hours. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Brush scones with 1 T of bacon fat and sprinkle with coarse sugar. Bake until golden brown, 16-18 min. Serve warm or at room temp.
