MAPLE OAT SCONES WITH CANDIED BACON

Balancing on the edge between sweet and savoury, these hearty scones can be served as a side to a classic egg breakfast or on their own with extra syrup and whipped cream. The dough will look ragged but don’t be tempted to overwork it or you will end up with a tough finished product. Scones are best served the same day. Freeze any extras before baking and pop them in the oven when needed.

CANDIED BACON

10 slices bacon

2 tbsp (30 mL) maple syrup, divided

3 tbsp (45 mL) brown sugar, divided

SCONES

3 1⁄2 cups (875 mL) all-purpose flour

1 1⁄4 tsp (6 mL) baking soda

2 1⁄2 tsp (12 mL) baking powder

1 tsp (5 mL) salt

2 cups (500 mL) old-fashioned rolled oats

1 1⁄4 cups (310 mL) unsalted butter, cold, cut into 1-inch (2.5-cm) pieces

3⁄4 cup (175 mL) maple syrup, plus extra for brushing

3⁄4 cup (175 mL) buttermilk

Whipped cream and maple syrup for serving (optional)

1 For the candied bacon, line a baking sheet with parchment; set aside. Working in 2 batches, place the slices of bacon in a cold frying pan in a single layer. Pour over 1 tbsp (15 mL) of the maple syrup and sprinkle with half the brown sugar. Turn heat to medium-low. Once sizzling starts, turn heat to low. Cook gently for 15 to 20 minutes turning o en (cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your slices). Remove to prepared baking sheet when browned and shiny (bacon will harden as it cools). Cool to room temperature. Repeat with second batch. Cut or break into small pieces. Reserve, covered, at room temperature. Bacon can be made up to 2 days in advance.

2 Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.

3 For the scones, in a large bowl whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, oats and 1 cup (250 mL) of candied bacon (reserve remaining bacon for garnish). With a pastry blender (or fingertips) work butter into flour mixture until pieces of butter are the size of chickpeas. In a separate bowl whisk together 3⁄4 cup (175 mL) maple syrup and buttermilk; add to flour mixture. Stir until it just comes together.

4 Turn dough out onto work surface and press into a 10 x 10-inch (25 x 25-cm) square, about 1 1⁄2 inches (4 cm) thick. Using a sharp knife cut into 12 equal-sized rectangles. Place on prepared baking sheet and brush with extra maple syrup. Top each with an equal amount of reserved bacon. Bake on centre rack for 20 to 25 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove from oven and brush with more maple syrup. Serve with whipped cream and extra maple syrup, if desired.

Makes 12 scones