Tee for two

Last summer my husband Adrian went golfing for the first time.  It was a work thing and he really didn't have a choice but to go.  Most of his co-workers play fairly regularly so he was at a definite disadvantage.  A few days before the outing, we headed over to the golf range with a set of borrowed clubs.  For years he had coached and played soccer, in fact, he ran a youth soccer club for many years while our own boys were growing up and playing.  Golf had never held any interest for him.  Well, now here we are a few years (ok...more than a few) older and wiser.  Things have changed.  There was a time when the Golf channel was met with scorn in my home and now Dear Reader, my tv is never off of it.  Every weekend, he and our oldest son Brian head off to the golf course for nine holes. 

Just like that, I have become a golf widow. 

Now Dear Reader, I have a patient husband.  You've been to various markets and small towns with me since we met here in the cupboard.  On this day we were working our way to Brighton to visit our niece and her family when we stopped at our fourth yard sale of the day.  Now, what was different about this yard sale Dear Reader was he beat me out of the car!  Normally, when we are off on dander, he patiently hangs around, playing with his phone and taking pictures for me.  When I caught up with him, the reason was obvious.  As far as the eye could see were golf clubs and golf bags and golf balls and my husband was happily chatting away with the elderly gentleman who was so enthusiastic about golf, (clearly!) and told us it was a great couples game and that I should play too.  Before I knew it, I was outfitted with a set of leftie clubs, a putter and a bag for the grand total of $45!  He definitely didn't want me sitting at home waiting for my husband.  I am quite content with my well-loved clubs...the boys on the other hand have since went on to buy pretty fancy clubs with exotic names like Vapors and Cobras.  I have know idea what they are but they are excited with their new toys and play with them every chance they get.

Since the season began, those two have not missed a weekend.  They are up and out early.  Really early.  Too early for me.  I get up to an alarm Monday to Friday...I begrudge doing it on the weekend.  I have been a few times, but honestly, I am quite content to go occasionally.  Besides, I enjoy what I call introvert time.  It is a chance to read, blog and be still in peace.

So off they would go every weekend for a few hours.  And then they would arrive home absolutely ravenous!  I decided to pack a breakfast picnic of sorts for them.  A thermos of coffee and something to nibble as they try to make par.  It would have to be easy to transport and easy to eat on the go.  Breakfast sandwiches have been done to death so I started playing with biscuit recipes.  How about a biscuit that incorporates bacon and cheese into the mix?  Uh...yes please!  I topped them with a smear of good Dijon mustard and black forest ham and voila! Good to go.  Wrapped individually in wax paper and stashed in the cooler pocket of the golf bag.  Brownie points for Mum!

The course mascots...there are four of them that wander the golf course and gorge on crab apples...and maybe the occasional lost golf ball!

Bacon, Cheddar & Chive Biscuits
Makes 12

6 slices bacon
3 3/4 cups bread flour
1 1/2 tbsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup chilled unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes, plus additional melted butter for brushing
2 1/2 cups (packed) grated sharp cheddar cheese
1/3 cup fresh chives, chopped
1 3/4 cups buttermilk


Preheat to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.  Fry the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp and brown. Transfer the bacon to paper towel lined plate to drain and cool slightly.   Chop coarsely once cool enough to handle.

Next, in the bowl of a food processor combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.  Pulse for 5 seconds. Add the butter cube and blend until coarse meal forms, about 30 seconds. Transfer the flour mixture to large bowl. Next, add the cheddar cheese, chives, and chopped bacon and toss together to blend. Gradually add the buttermilk, stirring to moisten evenly.  The batter will be sticky.

Lightly flour your hands, and drop about 1/2 cup batter for each biscuit onto the parchment lined baking sheet, spacing batter mounds about 2 inches apart.

Bake biscuits until golden, about 18 to 20 minutes and tester inserted into center comes out clean.  While the biscuits are still warm,  brush each biscuit lightly with the melted butter. Allow to cool for 10 minutes. Serve biscuits with a smear of good quality mustard and shaved ham.  Or, if desired, a smear of butter and a cup of tea.  Enjoy!

I think these would be perfect for an afternoon tea on a pretty cake stand.  They are the perfect size and would lend themselves to a variety of fillings.  The possibilities are endless!

Bye for now!
xx