Treat Your Sweetie to Brunch

Who hasn't looked for a way to express love to someone special on Valentine's Day or another special occasion? Having an easy but tasty recipe on hand to whip up for your loved one can show how much you care.

Stage a Valentine-worthy brunch for your sweetheart, complete with his or her favorite foods. Strawberries covered in fresh cream, bite-sized muffins and these Ham & Cheddar Scones, courtesy of "The Culinary Institute of America: Breakfasts & Brunches" (Lebhar-Friedman Books) will certainly impress. These portable treats pack the rich flavor of ham with the universal appeal of warm, melted cheese. Make the dough a day early and just pop it in the oven to surprise your sweetie.

HAM & CHEDDAR SCONES

Makes 10 scones

3 cups all-purpose flour

1⁄2 cup sugar

2 tablespoons baking powder

1⁄2 teaspoon salt

1 cup medium-diced ham

1⁄2 cup medium-diced cheddar cheese

1⁄2 cup sliced scallions

2 cups heavy cream

1. Cut two 10-inch circles of parchment paper. Use one to line a 10-inch round cake pan. Reserve the second piece.

2. Sift the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt together into a mixing bowl. Add the ham, cheese, and scallions and toss together with the dry ingredients until evenly distributed. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture.

3. Add the cream to the flour mixture and stir by hand just until the batter is evenly moistened.

4. Place the dough in the lined cake pan and press into an even layer. Cover the dough with the second parchment paper circle. Freeze the dough until very firm, at least 2 hours.

5. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Prepare a baking sheet by spraying it with cooking spray or lining with parchment paper.

6. Thaw the dough for 5 minutes at room temperature; turn it out of the cake pan onto a cutting board. Cut the dough into 10 equal wedges and place the individual wedges on the baking sheet about 2 inches apart.

7. Bake the scones until golden brown, 30 to 40 minutes. Cool the scones on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to cooling racks. Serve scones warm or at room temperature. Serve baked scones the same day they are made or freeze for up to 4 weeks.