Step 1
Position a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2
In a frying pan, fry the bacon over medium-low heat until lightly crisp, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and finely chop the bacon.
Step 3
In a food processor, combine the flour, baking powder, cheese, salt and pepper and pulse briefly to mix. Add the butter and pulse until the mixture looks like coarse meal. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and cream until blended. Pour the egg mixture into the processor and pulse just until the dough comes together.
Step 4
Dump the dough onto a lightly floured work surface. Knead in the bacon and then bring the dough together into a ball. Using a floured rolling pin, roll out the dough to 1/2 inch (12 mm) thick. Using a 1 1/2-inch (4-cm) biscuit cutter, cut out as many scones as you can. Gather the scraps of dough, roll out, and cut out more scones.
Step 5
Space the scones evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake until the scones are golden, about 12 minutes. Remove from the pan and let cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. <i>Baker’s Note: To take these scones over the top, add a pinch of grated cheese to the top of each one before you slide them into the oven.</b>
Step 6
This scones recipe is excerpted with permission from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1616282002/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1616282002&linkCode=as2&tag=craftfocom-20">" Home Baked Comfort (Williams-Sonoma): Featuring Mouthwatering Recipes and Tales of the Sweet Life with Favorites from Bakers Across the Country"</a> by Kim Laidlaw and published by Weldon Owen.
