Pumpkin Chocolate Scones

Hey, wanna hear something neat? Scones are just like a fancy biscuit and are super easy to make. When I thought "hey, I'll try making some scones" I anticipated that it would be difficult. But no, it was not. Or maybe I'm just super awesome. :)

In all seriousness though, these scones are so very, very good. Especially for breakfast with coffee. And especially especially in the fall, because its very fall tasting. And yes I meant to type two especially's. Does that make sense? Don't be intimidated by the ingredient list in this recipe, either. Its really very good, and very worth it. Anyway, here's the recipe:

um, YUM.

Pumpkin Scones: 

2 cups flour- plus a little extra set aside

1/3 cup brown sugar

1 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or you can just use cinnamon if you only have that. Its whatevs!)

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup butter, cold and very hard. in fact, throw it in your freezer about ten minutes before you need it.

1/3 cup dark chocolate chips

1/4 cup walnuts (optional- i dont use them)

1/3 cup buttermilk (dont have buttermilk? Use regular milk and add a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to it about 2 minutes before you need it. Voila, buttermilk :)

1/2 cup fresh or canned pure pumpkin (if using canned pumpkin make sure there are no spices or sugar added)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

egg wash

1 large egg

1 tablespoon water

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. 

In a large bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, spices, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. With a cheese grater, grate the butter into the flour mixture, stopping occasionally to mix it in so it doesn't clump (btw-You must use REAL unsalted butter, not margarine. The fat content in margarine will f-up these scones big time).  After all of the butter has been grated into the flour mixture, stir in the chocolate chips and nuts.  Add in milk, pumpkin and vanilla. Stir until just combined, do not over mix. 

Spread flour on your counter, and plop the dough on it. Knead the dough just a few times, maybe 5-8 times, no more, adding flour to make it less sticky. Pat the dough about 1/2 inch thick very lightly with your hands. With a sharp knife, cut out triangular scones and place them on a greased baking sheet.

In a small bowl, combine egg and water, brush over the scones. Throw them in the oven and bake them for 15-20 minutes, until a beautiful golden brown on top. Eat them and be happy!

PS- I got this recipe from the Joy of Baking, but I made all kinds of changes to it. Sorry I butchered your recipe, JoB, but I like mine better. :)