The purple flowers seen in bunches of chives attract bees, but chives also have insect-repelling properties which can be used in gardens to control pests!

Makes 16 scones

Ingredients:

3 cups unbleached, all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground

1/2 cup finely chopped fresh chives

1 3/4 cups sharp hard cheese (such as Cheddar), grated (about 7 ounces)

2 cups heavy cream plus 2 tablespoons for brushing

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375F.

2. Mix flour, baking powder, salt and pepper. Add chives and 1 1/2 cups cheese.

3. Add 2 cups cream and mix just until a sticky dough forms.

4. Knead dough on a floured surface until smooth. Divide dough in half, and roll each into an 8-inch round.

5. Brush each round with 1 tablespoon of cream. Using a butter knife, divide each round into 8 scones.

6. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup of cheese and bake on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

7. For smaller scones, divide dough into three or four rounds. Roll into a 6-inch round and divide into 8 scones.

For pictures and more information about chives visit:

http://treataweek.blogspot.com/2008/06/chive-and-cheese-scones.html

(originally posted in the 6-18-09 CSA newsletter)