Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg, beaten

Special equipment needed:
- Pastry blender or food processor
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper.

3. Add the cold, cubed butter to the bowl and use a pastry blender or food processor to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

4. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese.

5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and beaten egg.

6. Pour the milk mixture into the flour mixture and stir until a dough forms.

7. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently until it comes together.

8. Roll the dough out to about 1/2 inch thickness and use a small cookie cutter or biscuit cutter to cut out mini scones.

9. Place the mini scones onto the prepared baking sheet and brush the tops with a little extra milk or beaten egg.

10. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and cooked through.


Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 12-15 minutes
Temperature:
400°F (200°C)
Serving size:
Makes approximately 24 mini scones

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 98
Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 3g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of shredded cheese you prefer, such as mozzarella, parmesan, or gouda.
- If you don't have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter and omit the additional salt in the recipe.
- You can use any type of milk you prefer, such as whole milk, skim milk, or almond milk.

Variations:
- Add chopped herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, to the dough for extra flavor.
- Add crumbled cooked bacon or diced ham to the dough for a savory breakfast treat.
- Add dried fruit, such as cranberries or raisins, to the dough for a sweet twist on the recipe.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure your butter is cold when you start making the dough, as this will help create a flaky texture.
- Don't overwork the dough when kneading it, as this can make the scones tough.
- If you don't have a cookie cutter or biscuit cutter, you can use a small drinking glass to cut out the scones.

Storage instructions:
- Store the mini cheese scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- You can also freeze the scones for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw at room temperature and then warm in the oven for a few minutes.

Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the mini cheese scones, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the mini cheese scones on a platter with a bowl of honey or jam for dipping.
- Arrange the scones in a basket lined with a cloth napkin for a rustic presentation.
- Serve the scones alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy breakfast or snack.

Garnishes:
- Sprinkle a little extra shredded cheese on top of the scones before baking for a cheesy crust.
- Top the scones with a small dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche for a creamy finish.
- Garnish the scones with a sprig of fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a pop of color.

Pairings:
- Serve the mini cheese scones alongside a bowl of soup or salad for a light lunch.
- Pair the scones with a glass of white wine or a cold beer for a casual happy hour snack.
- Serve the scones with a side of fresh fruit or berries for a balanced breakfast or snack.

Suggested side dishes:
- Mixed green salad
- Tomato soup
- Fresh fruit salad

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too dry, add a little extra milk until it comes together.
- If the scones are too tough, you may have overworked the dough. Try handling it more gently next time.
- If the scones are too crumbly, you may have added too much flour. Try measuring carefully and using a lighter hand when mixing.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and any utensils or surfaces that come into contact with the dough to prevent the spread of bacteria.
- Store the scones in an airtight container to prevent spoilage.
- If you are serving the scones to guests with food allergies, make sure to disclose any potential allergens in the recipe.

Food history:
- Scones originated in Scotland in the early 1500s and were traditionally made with oats and cooked on a griddle.
- The addition of butter and flour to the recipe came later, and scones became a popular tea-time treat in England and other parts of the world.
- The addition of cheese to scones is a more recent variation, but has become a popular savory twist on the classic recipe.

Flavor profiles:
- The mini cheese scones are savory and cheesy, with a flaky texture and a hint of black pepper.
- The addition of herbs or other ingredients can add extra flavor and complexity to the recipe.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the mini cheese scones warm or at room temperature.
- They are great for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack.
- They can be served alone or with a variety of toppings or dips.

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Taste: Savory, Cheesy, Buttery, Flaky, Rich