Scones

Scones are an easy to make treat. I am sure we have all made them as kids at school. There differs from a teacake and other sweet buns, which are made with yeast. A scone is in some senses a type of pastry since it is made with essentially the same ingredients as shortcrust, though with different proportions of fat to flour. 225g/8oz self raising flour pinch of salt 55g/2oz butter 25g/1oz caster sugar 150ml/5fl oz milk 1 free-range egg, beaten, to glaze (alternatively use a little milk)

Preparation method 1.Heat the oven to 220C/425F/Gas 7. Lightly grease a baking sheet. 2.Mix together the flour and salt and rub in the butter. 3.Stir in the sugar and then the milk to get a soft dough. 4.Turn on to a floured work surface and knead very lightly. Pat out to a round 2cm/¾in thick. Use a 5cm/2in cutter to stamp out rounds and place on a baking sheet. Lightly knead together the rest of the dough and stamp out more scones to use it all up. 5.Brush the tops of the scones with the beaten egg. Bake for 12-15 minutes until well risen and golden.

Serve with butter and good jam and maybe some clotted cream. For me I like to serve with fresh raspberries, wee bit jam and clotted cream with nice freshly brewed coffee…heavenly