Chocolate-chip scones

I've never been much of a scone person. I think it is my passion for all things French that drives me away from English things. But a few weeks ago I was supposed to bring snacks to our Bible study, and I actually find it easier to make something than to drag all three boys to the grocery store to pick something up. So I found a recipe very similar to the one below in Ina Garten's Barefoot Contessa at Home. I had to adapt mine for what I had on hand. And they were great. I was very pleased because those in our Bible Study that had lived in Ireland enjoyed them.

Ina's tip is to make sure that the butter remains in little pieces so that when they bake the butter creates stem and makes the scones light and flaky.

4 c flour
1/4 sugar, plus extra for sprinkling
2 T baking powder
2 t salt
3 sticks cold unsalted butter, diced
4 eggs, beaten (I only had 3 the first time--and it turned out fine)
1 c milk
1 1/2 c chocolate chips...or more if you like your scones extra chocolately
1 egg beaten with 2 T water for egg wash
1 c powdered sugar
2 T milk

Preheat oven to 400. Line baking sheet with parchment.

In bowl of electric mixer fitted with paddle attachment, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add butter and mix at lowest speed until butter is the size of peas. Combine the eggs and milk withe the mixer on low, slowly add to the flour mixture. Mix until blended. Add the chocolate chips and stir into the dough.

Place dough on floured surface and form into a ball. Roll to 1-inch thick. Cut 3-inch circles of dough and place on baking sheet.

Brush the tops fo the scones with the egg wash and sprinkle with sugar. Bake 20 minutes until lightly browned. Cool 15 minutes. Stir togeter the powdered sugar and milk and drizzle over the tops of the scones.

Makes about 2 dozen.

Quiche

Today an old friend from France, Elisabeth Folkerts, called me. We hadn't talked in six years. It was so fun to catch up and hear about her life. Interestingly our paths have headed in the same direction...each of us have 3 kids and live in the West while our husbands are pastors. But her calling me reminded me of France and she always made good quiche. While in France, I perfected my quiche-making skills and adapated several recipes into one I made frequently. I made it tonight--for old times sake.

3 eggs
1 c milk
1 c sour cream
pinch of salt & pepper
1 pie crust
1 T chopped fresh parsley, or 1 t dried parsley
1/4 c bacon, cooked & crumbled
1/2 c cheese, grated (your favorite)

Whisk eggs, milk, sour cream and spices. Place pie crust in pie plate or quiche pan. Sprinkle bacon and cheese (and any other goodies you want to fill your quiche--I used leftover zucchini, squash and onions tonight) on top of pie crust. Pour egg mixture into crust. Bake at 400 30-40 minutes until puffed up and lightly browned. Bon Appetit!

Serves 4