Browned Butter Date Maple Bacon Scones

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Butter
  
• 3 pieces bacon, chopped and cooked crisp
  
• 2 3/4 cups all purpose flour
  
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
  
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
  
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
  
• 3/4 cup chopped pitted dates
  
• 2 teaspoons maple flavored extract
  
• 1 cup half and half
  
• 3 tablespoons sparkling sugar for sprinkling
  

Directions

1. In a medium sauce pan melt butter on medium heat level. Butter will begin to foam, continue to cook butter stirring continuously until golden brown in color, approximately 3-5 minutes. Watch carefully and do not burn. Cool butter to a solid state, you can refrigerate to speed up the cooling.
2. In a medium sauce pan, cook chopped bacon until crisp, drain and set aside.
3. Preheat oven to 400 degree. Line a large baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper.
4. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt and brown sugar. Whisk to combine. Add chopped dates and bacon and whisk.
5. Scrap the cooled brown butter and incorporate into the flour mixture until small lumps of butter are well distributed.
6. Pour 1 cup half and half into a measuring cup and add the maple extract, stir to combine. Add to the flour mixture and stir just until incorporated.
7. Drop 1 cup size pieces of dough onto baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Sprinkle top of each scone with sparkling sugar.
8. Bake approximately 25 minutes until golden brown. A toothpick inserted in the middle of a scone should come out clean. Move scones to wire rack and cool.