Chocolate Cinnamon Scones for Mother's Day

   Oh no!  You forgot it was Mother's Day?!  Well, there is still time to get into the kitchen and bake something scrumptious for brunch.  I unfortunately am 700 miles away from my mom, and even if I were in Tennessee I would be at the Renaissance Festival.  Now, my mom is not a huge fan of breakfast or breakfast pastries, but I bet she (and my mother-in-law) would enjoy these scones.  They aren't too sweet and have the wonderful combination of dark chocolate and roasted cinnamon with a surprise nuttiness.  So good.  These scones, a quiche or fritatta, a light salad, a pot of good coffee and some fresh juice would make the perfect simple brunch.

Chocolate Cinnamon Scones
1 1/4 C flour
1/4 C ground walnuts
1 1/2 Tbsp brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp roasted cinnamon
pinch of salt
4 Tbsp cold butter, chopped
1 egg
5 Tbsp buttermilk
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/4 C dark chocolate chips
1 Tbsp half & half or heavy cream
1 Tbsp raw sugar
chocolate and caramel sauce (optional)

   Combine flour, walnuts, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.  Using a pastry cutter or fork, cut butter into flour mixture until it resembles wet sand.
   Make a well in the center of the flour.  Add egg, buttermilk, and vanilla to well.  Beat and slowly being to work in flour.  When about half mixed fold in chips.
   Turn onto a lightly floured surface.  Knead a few times then shape into an 8x5 rectangle.  Cut into 6 squares.
   Place on a lightly greased baking sheet.  Brush the tops with half and half.  Sprinkle with raw sugar.
   Bake at 400 deg F for 10-12 minutes.
   Drizzle with caramel and chocolate for an extra little indulgence.
   Serves 6.