Oatmeal Apple Scones

I cannot resist the crunch of a ripe hard juicy apple, it is so satisfying. Apples pair well with just about anything, my favorite a cube of cheddar cheese, mmm tasty.

Oatmeal Apple Scones and Chicken Apple Chili are among my favorite uses for apples. The scones, unlike cake or muffins, are not to sweet and make a wonderful companion with a mug of hot apple cider.

Source: Rachael Ray
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon half-and-half
1 large egg
1 1/2 cups flour
3 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 stick (4 ounces) butter, chilled and cut into small cubes
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
1 apple, cut into 1/4-inch cubes

Stir 1/2 cup crumbled cooked bacon into the batter.

Preheat the oven to 450°. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup half-and-half and the egg.

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Blend in the butter with your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the oats and apple and toss. Stir in the liquid mixture until the dough just forms a ball.

Turn the dough out onto a floured work surface. Pat into a 7-inch round; cut into 8 wedges. Transfer to a parchment-paper-lined baking sheet and brush the tops with the remaining 1 tablespoon half-and-half. Bake until golden, about 20 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool.