It might seem an odd contribution to the Christmas menu - all I can say is that if ever I'm asked to cook or bake for a gathering cheese scones are top of the list. However I must be getting something right when the range of M&S Party Food includes “Extra Mature Barber's Cheese & Ham Scones”!
This recipe works for me and my family and friends :
Cheese Scones
500g plain flour (1lb 2oz)
1 tsp salt
2 tsps bicarb
4½ tsps cream of tartar
125g (5oz) unsalted butter
75g (3oz) mature Cheddar cheese, grated
300ml milk
1 large egg, beaten
6.5cms/2½” fluted cutter
flour on the side to dip the cutter
Pre-heat oven 200fan/220c/Gas 7
Sift the flour, salt, bicarb and cream of tartar into a large mixing bowl. Rub in the butter until you've got breadcrumbs, add the grated cheese then add the milk – all of it – mix with a round bladed knife, roughly and then tip onto a floured surface and knead lightly so that you have a dough. It should be 3cms/1¼” thick. Remember to dip your cutter into the flour before cutting.
How many scones you get depends on the size of the cutter you use – using a 6.5cms/2½” fluted cutter you'll get 12 – they are huge. If you're intending to use as part of a Christmas Box/Brown paper package then you might want to consider using a smaller cutter – scaled down they'll look neater when bagged and tagged to go in your Box! 5/2” or 6cms/2¼” approx would be perfect.
Place on a baking sheet, dusted with flour, then brush with beaten egg. Bake for 10 minutes – risen and golden brown.
Give your family and friends what they love - not what the season dictates - a person can only suffer so many boxes of dates or the orange and lemon slices from yesteryear.
Hmm, perhaps a little festive relish to go with?
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