Bites Around the Blogosphere...But First, Some Breakfast.

Breakfast. It's important. Filling up your tank after a long night's fast is important for your bodily functions. Breakfast helps you think clearer, be in a better mood, and work more efficiently. Find something you like and eat it this morning. It doesn't have to be a breakfast food. If grilled cheese and tomato soup call to you, have some. Try not to be called to the candy bars...but do eat something. Here's a little something to get you started:

Vanilla Scones

What You Need:

• 2 1/2 to 3 cups cups all-purpose (or use whole wheat, or half white, half wheat)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/3 cup chilled butter, cut into chunks
• 1 vanilla bean (just the scrapings)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 egg
• 3/4 cup milk

for the icing:

• powdered sugar
• enough milk to make a pourable icing

How it's Done:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees and lightly spray a large cookie sheet with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
2. Combine flour (start with 2 1/2 cups), sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
3. Add cubes of butter. Cut them in until they're tiny bits smaller than peas. I like to pinch it in with my fingers so that I can properly judge how big they are.
4. In a separate bowl, beat egg. Add milk, vanilla scrapings, and vanilla extract. Pour into dry mixture and stir to combine.
5. The dough should begin to form a ball. If it's too wet still, add additional flour.
6. Knead a few times...maybe ten times total. Divide dough in half.
7. Pat each half into a circle 1" thick on the greased cookie sheet. Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut into wedges just like pizza. Don't separate them.
8. Bake 20 minutes or until just lightly golden on top.
9. Remove from oven and let cool five minutes before icing.
10. For the icing, combine powdered sugar with milk until the desired consistency is met. Pour onto scones. You can add some vanilla extract to the icing for even more vanilla flavor if you'd like.

And now, for some delicious bites around the blogosphere. These are some delectable tidbits I found this week:

• Vanilla Bean Cheesecake at Andrea the Kitchen Witch
• Slow Cooker Carnitas at Angel Foods Kitchen
• Zucchini Fritter Cakes at Anna Dishes
• 10 Ways to Eat Less Meat at Cheap Healthy Good
• Strawberry Yogurt Mask at Coupon Cookin'
• Gingerbread at Green Gourmet Giraffe
• Apple Cupcakes at Haniela's
• Steak Sauce at Jenn's Food Journey
• Chili Potato Dippers with Cheddar Jalapeno Dip at Lamp Unto My Feet
• Focaccia Hamburger Rolls at Out of the Box Into the Kitchen
• Chocolate Tim Tam Hedgehog at StoneSoup

Happy Cooking! See you throughout the week!