Chocolate Chip Scones

My friend Megan's laptop was held ransom by her daughter. The ransom had to paid with chocolate chunk scones with mock devonshire cream. I knew that they had to be good if demands like this one were being made. I secretly thanked her under my breath for making such a demand. If she made them, just maybe she would post the recipe for the rest of us! What could she do? I mean, no laptop means no Facebook, Twittering, or blogging. The scones were made, the laptop handed back over and one happy kid!

I have been wanting to make these ever since I saw the post. So, today, a quick stop at the only store that I can find Mascarpone and I was ready to make them. This was the easiest scone recipe! I didn't have chocolate to chunk, so I used chocolate chips. You could substitute the chocolate for other add ins. I am thinking cranberries! Were these as good as I thought they would be? YES!!! and better. I have eaten 2 of them already. Thanks Megan for sharing the recipe! OH, and a big THANK YOU to Kelly for taking the hostage! :)

Cream Scones
Borrowed from: Megans Cookin

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated white sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1 large egg
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup whipping cream
1 cup chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and place the rack in the middle of the oven.

Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Cut the butter into small pieces and blend into the flour mixture with a pastry blender or two knives. The mixture should look like coarse crumbs. In a small measuring cup combine the whipping cream, beaten egg and vanilla. Add this mixture to the flour mixture. Stir just until combined. Do not over mix. This is where I added the chocolate chips.

Knead dough gently on a lightly floured surface. Roll or pat the dough into a circle that is about 7 inches (18 cm) round.Brush the tops of the scones with a little cream and sprinkle with a course sugar if desired. This helps to brown the tops of the scones during baking.Bake for about 15 - 18 minutes or until nicely browned.

Mock Devonshire Cream

4 oz mascarpone cheese
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-2 Tablespoon granulated sugar

Place all the ingredients in a large bowl and beat until the mixture holds its shape and looks like softly whipped cream. Use right away or cover and refrigerate the cream until serving time.
Makes about 1 1/2 cups.