Peppered Pear Scones with Pear Conserve

Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large bowl stir together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, pepper, baking soda, and salt. Using a pastry blender, cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture.

In a small bowl beat eggs lightly; stir in cheese and buttermilk. Add the buttermilk mixture all at once to the flour mixture. Using a fork, stir just until moistened. Fold in pear.

Turn out dough onto a floured surface. Quickly knead dough by folding and gently pressing for 10 to 12 strokes or until nearly smooth. Pat or lightly roll the dough into an 8-inch square. Cut into 16 squares.

Place scones 1 inch apart on an ungreased baking sheet. If desired, sprinkle with additional cracked pepper. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer scones to a wire rack. Serve warm. If desired, serve with Pear Conserve.