Simple Scones

Is anyone else watching Mary Berry’s cooking show over on BBC1? I’ve been watching it on iPlayer and I have to say, she is wonderful. The passion she has for simple, traditional recipes is incredible and they always manage to look mouth-wateringly good.

After watching the episode on afternoon tea, I was inspired to make some scones, plus I still have ton of jam to get through – 5 jars, what was I thinking? It’s a lovely, quick recipe made with store cupboard ingredients – perfect for when you have guests over or just feel like putting your feet up and nibbling on something a little more refined.

Serve these still warm with butter, jam and lashings of clotted cream if you’re feeling naughty.

What you’ll need:

• 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)

What to do:

1. Preheat your oven to 220c/425f and lightly grease a baking sheet
2. Weigh out your flour and butter and rub together until it forms a crumble-like mixture





3. Stir in the sugar and the milk and mix until you get a soft dough
   (the dough is quite wet at this stage so add a little more flour if needed)
4. Turn the dough out onto a floured work surface and knead a little until the dough is soft and well combined





5. Roll out the dough until it is around 2cm in thickness and then use a biscuit cutter to cut out the scones
   (it helps to flour the cutter slightly first to prevent sticking)





6. Line up the scones on your baking tray and brush the tops with the beaten egg






7. Bake in the oven for around 12 minutes

Your scones should be nicely risen and golden brown on top. Cut in half and top with butter and jam or jam and clotted cream (or all three!)

a very quick photo taken with my phone - they were too good not to eat straight away!
A perfect little pick me up with a nice cuppa.

xx