Bacon Cheddar Scones

Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, or grease with cooking spray. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne until combined.

Add the diced butter to the flour mixture, and use a fork (or your hands) to cut in the butter until the mixture resembles thick, coarse crumbs.

Stir in the cheese, chives, and bacon until combined. Then pour in the buttermilk and knead the mixture with your hands until the dough is evenly combined.

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, and use a rolling pin to roll it out until it is 1/2-inch thick. Fold the dough in half horizontally, and then fold it in half again vertically (so that there are 4 layers in there). Then roll the dough out again and roll until it is about 1/2-inch thick. Use a biscuit cutter to cut out the biscuits (re-rolling the dough when necessary), and transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.

Optional: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg and water until combined. Then brush the egg wash on top of the biscuits, so that the tops will be nice and golden.

Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the biscuits are cooked through.

Serve warm, with a glass of not-from-concentrate Florida’s Natural® Brand Orange Juice.