Chocolate Chip Scones

Here is a must-share recipe.  I stole this one from my mother-in-law.  They are fabulous, easy to make, and a real crowd pleaser.  I made them recently for our SS class breakfast and all the husbands were raving about them.  Plus, I just love to say "scone."  Makes me feel rich and British and named "Kate."  And when you tell people that you've made scones they are like, "Wow!  Really?"  So definitely make these!Chocolate Chip Scones

• 3 cups self-rising flour
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 3 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 cup cold butter, cut in 1/4" cubes
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 3 Tbl water
• 1 tsp vanilla

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.  Whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder.  Using a pastry cutter, cut butter into flour mixture until butter is well coated.  Add chocolate chips.  Form a well in mixture and pour in buttermilk.  Using spatula (I just use my hand), combine wet and dry ingredients.  Mixture will be clumpy at first.  Keep kneeding until all combined into smooth ball, no more clumps.  Set dough on a lightly floured surface and roll into pie shape, about 1/2" thick.  Slice into 16 triangles with knife or pizza cutter.   Place triangles on cookie sheet or cooking stone, 1" apart.  Bake for 8 - 10 minutes or until golden.  Set aside to cool slightly while preparing icing.Whisk together powdered sugar, water, and vanilla till smooth.  Drizzle over top of scones.  Serve immediately with tall glass of milk.Note:  The thicker the scone, the longer the baking time.Tip:  If you don't have self-rising flour, you can make your own ... per cup of all-purpose flour, add 1 1/2 tsp baking powder and 1/2 tsp salt.  Just don't forget to add the additional 3 tsp baking powder that the recipe originally calls for!