Buttermilk, Cheese, Shallots & Potato Scones

I love tea biscuits and scones and am always on the lookout for something a little different. These savory scones are too die for, they are so good. The flavor, crumb and texture are perfect. This is a great use for leftover mashed potatoes and you only need a 1/2 cup of them. Try them and see for yourself, you will not be disappointed. Update 4/30/15: I just made these again I can't believe that they taste as good as they did the first time. The potatoes and shallots really add an extra depth of flavor to the biscuits. These are wonderful toasted also. Hope you will enjoy!

• Ready In: 27 mins
• Yields: 8 scones

Ingredients

• 2  shallots, thinly sliced
• 1  tablespoon butter
• 1 1⁄2 cups flour
• 2  teaspoons baking powder
• 1  teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons sugar
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 cup shortening, cold
• 1 1⁄2 cups cheddar cheese, old, extra old
• 1⁄2 cup mashed potatoes, cold
• 1⁄2 cup buttermilk (more if necessary)
• 1  egg, large

Directions

1. In a small frying pan, melt butter and add shallots, cook on medium low heat until, soft and tender. Remove from pan, cool and set aside until needed.
2. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
3. In a large bowl stir together flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar and salt.
4. Cut in the shortening until it resembles fine bread crumbs, then stir in the cheese, cooled shallots and the mashed potatoes.
5. Beat the egg and buttermilk together and pour into the flour, cheese and potato mixture all at once, stirring lightly until you have a soft sticky dough.
6. Add the dough to a lightly floured surface and pat into a large circle about 3/4 to an inch thick. I use a water glass to cut out the dough.
7. Place the scones on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake in a 425 degree oven for 10 - 12 minutes, until golden brown.