HAZELNUT CHOCOLATE CHIP SCONES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
• Lightly butter a 9 inch diameter circle in the center of a baking sheet.
• Using a large bowl, stir together first four ingredients.
• Cut the butter into 1/2 inch cubes and distribute them evenly over the flour mixture.
• With a pastry blender or two knives cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• In a small bowl stir together the buttermilk, egg and vanilla.
• Add the buttermilk mixture to the flour mixture and stir to combine.
• Stir in the chocolate chips and hazelnuts. I know yuk but the dough will be sticky.
• Spread the dough into an 8 inch diameter circle in the center of the prepared baking sheet.
• Arrange additional hazelnuts around the edge of the dough for garnish if desired. With a serrated knife cut into 8 wedges. Bake for 17-19 minutes or until the top is lightly browned and a toothpick inserted into the center of one of the scones comes out clean.
• Remove the baking sheet to a wire rack and cool for 5 minutes.
• Using a spatula transfer the scones to a wire rack to cool.
• Recut into wedges if necessary.
• Best served warm
• Cool completely before storing in an air tight container.