wake-up call (and a novica giveaway)

Savory scones almost always look so drab.

Even if you get crazy and add scallions, they're still basically white or dark orange inside brown upon brown around beige. Blah.

Here's how the genesis of this creation occurred: I was staring despondently at my cheese choices, pondering a way to spruce up my latest batch of scones. As is my wont, I was drawn to the pepper jack. I noticed that this particular log of cheese didn't have as many flecks of pepper bits as usual, and I suddenly wondered why I didn't just add peppers of my own. What can I say, folks--you just can't hold this gal down!

The roasted red peppers add color, kick, and, it's important to note, a little extra juice. Be careful that you don't wind up with wet dough and therefore a flat, sad scone. Don't skip the cayenne, either--it's not a huge amount, but you'll notice it, and you'll appreciate it.

It's time for another NOVICA giveaway. They really do have something for everyone, whether short skirts, dangle earrings, or Peruvian jewelry is your thing. If you'd like to put yourself in the running for a $50 gift card for any of the amazing products featured at NOVICA, leave a comment below telling me your favorite color. That's it. Don't be afraid to get specific; for example, my color of choice right now is byzantium, but really, almost any shade of purple or violet will do. For more entries, just do one, some, or all of the following and tell me about each action in a separate comment:
*Like A Southern Grace on Facebook
*Follow A Southern Grace on Twitter
*Follow A Southern Grace on Pinterest
*Tweet about the giveaway.

I'll contact the winner one week from today, on June 27th, and the prize will be delivered shortly thereafter! Be sure to leave me an email address! The winner has been contacted!

Salty and Spicy Scones
Makes 8
Ingredients:

• 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 6 tablespoons butter, cold and cubed
• 2/3 cup milk
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 cup pepper jack cheese, shredded or chopped
• 1/2 cup bacon, cooked to crispy and chopped
• 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped and blotted dry

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Combine the dry ingredients and cut in the butter until a coarse, crumbly mixture is formed.
Mix in the milk, beaten egg, cheese, bacon, and peppers using a fork just until everything is moistened and then turn the batter out onto a floured surface.
Form into an 8-inch wide disk.
Apply an egg wash and sprinkle with salt and pepper, then cut the round into 8 wedges.
Transfer to a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes.