Maple Bacon Biscuits with Maple Glaze

Swim lessons just started up and I've been a bit busy and trying to get into a new routine. You know how that goes, right? It is only a small change and doesn't really take up much time, but it seems to throw off your whole game. Maybe I am just in a bit of a slump. Work has at least forced me into a working out routine. Riding your bike to work plus some for the win! Now its time to kick the slump elsewhere, starting with maple bacon biscuits and a wonderful message from fellow blogger Frances!

Frances (aka Emily) and Kelsey are in Spain right now. Totally jealous. In case you didn't know, they also contribute to the blog along with Brittany and I. The only difference is Britt and I are here, in good old Wisconsin. We make our own fun that  competes with their European adventures. It is fun to pretend we do anyways.

I got the best message from Frances this morning. A real fixer for the slump I am in. Her host mom wanted to check out the blog, mostly the pictures. Then Frances writes down the recipe in Spanish for her, if the picture looks yummy. No big deal, she thought my hummus looked tasty enough to write down. It pretty much made my day. Remember that people, little things (especially food orientated things) make my day. Now onto more important things, maple bacon biscuits.

These biscuits are like little nuggets of gold. Be sure to use a good quality real maple syrup, not Mrs. Butterworth. They are best enjoyed warm out of the oven. They are still good if made the night before or at room temperature, just not as good. Their sweet, salty, bacony goodness makes up for their lack of warmth, if you choose to make them ahead of time. Try sandwiching a fried egg between these biscuits. I bet it would be out of this world delicious. I made these in a food processor because I think it easier. They can be just as easily made without one and are equally good. If you like bacon, you will love these. Give them a try.

xo

April

Adapted from Baking Illustrated
Ingredients:
Biscuits
6-8 slices of bacon
2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon sugar
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled, cut into 1/4 inch cubes
1/2 cup cold buttermilk
1/4 cup maple syrup
Maple Glaze
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 450F
2. The bacon can be fried or baked. I prefer the baking method for a more crispy bacon. Preheat the oven to 400F. Arrange the bacon on a parchment lined rimmed baking sheet side by side. Place the bacon in the oven for 10-20 minutes or until crispy. Drain the bacon on paper towels and roughly chop into 1/2 inch pieces.
3. If you baked the bacon, increase the oven temperature to 450F. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt in a large bowl or food processor. Whisk together or pulse six times.
4. If making by hand, add the cubed butter, working quickly to break it into bits, to resemble small peas. If using a food processor, evenly distribute the butter into the work bowl, pulsing 12 times, for 1 second.
5. If making by hand, add the buttermilk, bacon and maple syrup, stirring until it just starts to form a ball. If using a food processor, add the buttermilk, bacon and maple syrup, pulsing 8 times or until the dough just comes together.
6. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and quickly form a rough ball. Be careful not to over mix. Using a knife, dived the dough into quarters and then cut each quarter into thirds. Quickly shape each piece into a rough ball and place on a parchment lined cookie sheet. 
7. Bake until the biscuit tops are light brown, 10 to 12 minutes.
8. For the glaze, mix all the ingredients together, whisking to combine. Serve the biscuits warm with glaze poured over the tops.