Scones

Hey... i made my first scones, it is simple ingredients and directions, but unlike bread, which requires vigorous handling, scones is a bit tricky, you can't handle them too much or your scones will be very tough, and must cook on high temperature,otherwise the raising agent won't work. Im quite happy with the result, soft texture inside (at least its not end up on the rubbish bin ;) ) even My Daughter like it too!. Very nice when you eat them hot or at room temperature with butter or jam. here is the recipe....

Scones

(makes 12)

• 2 1/2 cups (310 g) self rising flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 40 g chilled unsalted butter,cut into small cubes
• 1 cup milk
• a pinch of salt

1. Preheat the oven to 220 degrees C, lightly grease the baking tray or line it with baking paper.
2. Sift the flour, baking powder, salt into a bowl.
3. Rub in butter briefly and lightly with your fingertips until the mixture is crumbly and resembles fine breadcrumbs (mixing in 1 tbs of sugar at this stage will lessen any floury taste).
4. Make a well in the centre. Pour in milk and mix with a flat-bladed knife, using a cutting action, until the dough comes together in clumps. Rotate the bowl as you work.
5. With floured hands, gather the dough together ( should feel slightly wet and sticky) and lift out onto a lightly floured surface. Do not knead or the scones will be tough.
6. Pat the dough out to 2 cm thick. Using floured 5cm cutter, cut into rounds. gather the trimmings and, without handling too much, press out and cut out more rounds.
7. Place close together on the tray and brush with milk. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until well risen and lightly golden.