Bacon and Dates Scones

My Unexpected Culinary Adventure: Bacon and Date Scones

As a busy working mom, time in the kitchen is a precious commodity. I'm always on the lookout for recipes that are both delicious and manageable, something I can whip up without spending my entire evening slaving over a hot stove. So, when I stumbled across this recipe for Bacon and Date Scones, I was intrigued. Bacon and dates? Such an unusual combination! I had to try it.

I've always been a fan of scones – the delicate crumb, the slight sweetness, the perfect pairing with a cup of tea or coffee. But this recipe promised something different, a savory twist on a classic. The description mentioned Gjelina, a renowned restaurant, and that piqued my interest even more. It felt like I was getting a peek into a world of high-end baking, a world I could actually participate in, surprisingly simply!

The initial apprehension about combining sweet dates with savory bacon quickly dissipated as I started making the scones. The process was surprisingly straightforward. The dough came together easily, and the instructions were clear and concise. I especially appreciated the tip about not overworking the dough – it makes all the difference in creating those perfectly tender scones.

The aroma of baking bacon filled my kitchen as the scones baked, and the result was nothing short of delightful. The slightly salty bacon complemented the sweetness of the dates perfectly, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite. The texture was exactly as promised – soft, delicate, and slightly crumbly. It was the perfect balance of sweet and savory, a little bit unexpected but completely satisfying.

These scones became an instant hit with my family. They disappeared quickly, a testament to their deliciousness. They were also incredibly versatile. I enjoyed them for breakfast with a cup of strong coffee, but they were just as delightful as an afternoon snack with a glass of milk. Even my picky kids devoured them, a rare feat indeed.

What initially seemed like a risky culinary experiment turned out to be one of my favorite recipes to date. The Bacon and Date Scones have become a regular in my kitchen repertoire, a testament to the simplicity and deliciousness of unexpected combinations. It proves that even with a limited amount of time, you can still create something truly special and impressive in your own kitchen, something that will leave everyone wanting more.

I highly recommend this recipe to anyone who is looking for a unique and delicious addition to their baking repertoire. It’s perfect for a weekend brunch, a casual get-together, or simply a treat for yourself after a long day. It's a recipe that transcends the ordinary and transforms the simple scone into a culinary adventure, all from the comfort of your own home kitchen. The ease of the recipe and the surprising flavor combination make this a clear winner in my book. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.

Now, I find myself thinking of variations: maybe adding some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch, or experimenting with different types of dried fruit. The possibilities are endless! But for now, I’m content with the classic combination of bacon and dates – a surprisingly perfect match that’s quickly become a new favorite in my household.

So, grab your ingredients, put on some music, and prepare to be amazed. The Bacon and Date Scones are waiting to be discovered.

Step-by-step

• Preheat oven to 400°f. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Cook bacon in heavy large skillet over medium heat until cooked through but still tender and not crisp, turning occasionally. Transfer bacon to paper towels to drain; cool.
• Pour bacon drippings from skillet into small heatproof bowl and reserve.
• Whisk flour, 1/2 cup sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in large bowl.
• Coarsely chop cooled bacon. Add bacon and dates to flour mixture; toss to coat.
• Coarsely grate butter into flour mixture. Using fork, stir in butter.
• Add buttermilk; stir until large moist clumps form. Using hands, knead mixture briefly in bowl until dough forms.
• Transfer dough to floured work surface. Pat into 8-inch round. Cut into 8 wedges.
• Transfer scones to sheet. Cover and chill scones 2 hours.
• Brush with reserved bacon drippings. Sprinkle with raw sugar.
• Bake scones until golden brown and tester inserted into center of scones comes out clean, 16 to 18 minutes.
• Serve warm or at room temperature. DO AHEAD: Can be made 8 hours ahead. Cool completely; store airtight at room temperature.