Easy Peasy Scones

Whip up a batch of these lovely light scones for Mother’s Day tomorrow – delicious just served with butter, or with whipped cream and raspberry jam. For soft scones, wrap in a clean tea towel for ten minutes as soon as they come out of the oven. For crusty scones, cool on a wire rack.

Inroduction

About this Recipe

By: Sheridan Rogers

Whip up a batch of these lovely light scones for Mother’s Day tomorrow – delicious just served with butter, or with whipped cream and raspberry jam. For soft scones, wrap in a clean tea towel for ten minutes as soon as they come out of the oven. For crusty scones, cool on a wire rack.

Ingredients

  • self raising flour 2 1/2 cups (375g)
  • salt 1/2 teaspoon
  • caster sugar 1/2 cup (115g)
  • pouring cream 300ml
  • water 50 – 75 ml (about 3 tablespoons)
  • Milk for brushing tops

Makes 12 scones Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 16–18 minutes Equipment you will need: Measuring cups and spoons Mixing bowl Baking trays Baking paper 5–6cm (2–2½inch) scone cutter or glass Pastry brush Method: 1. Preheat oven to 230ºC (210ºC fan-forced/500ºF/Gas mark 9). Line a baking tray with baking paper. 2. Sift the flour, salt and sugar into a mixing bowl. Make a well in the centre and pour in the cream and water. Mix all ingredients together to make a soft but not sticky dough. 3. Knead lightly on a floured bench top and pat out to 2cm (1 inch) thickness. Be careful not to overwork the dough. Turn over so that smooth side is on top. 4. With a scone cutter or glass dipped in flour, cut into 5cm (2 inch) rounds and place close together on the baking tray— this helps them to support each other as they rise, and to retain their moisture. 5. Brush tops with milk and bake for 15–18 minutes or until well risen and golden. Variations: For fruit scones, stir through 2 x 40g (1oz) mini sultana and apricot or sultana and apple packs or ½ cup sultanas and a little mixed spice.