Real English Scones

Step 1

Heat oven to 400 deg F.

Step 2

Mix flour, baking powder and salt in a bowl.

Step 3

Add butter and rub in with fingers until it resembles crumbs.

Step 4

Beat egg lightly, pour into a measuring cup, and add milk -- you can use buttermilk instead -- to make up 3/4 cup liquid.

Step 5

Add liquid slowly to dry ingredients while mixing. You should have a soft dough, but not wet or very sticky.

Step 6

Sprinkle flour on a wooden board or working surface. Turn dough out on that. Pat out lightly with fingers until about 1 1/2 inch flat, or a little less.

Step 7

Press out rounds about 2 1/2 inches across.

Step 8

Gather excess dough and repeat process.

Step 9

Beat extra egg well.

Step 10

Put the scones on a greased tin, use a pastry brush and brush with the beaten egg.

Step 11

Bake for about 13 minutes until well risen and golden.

Step 12

To serve, best use them quickly. Coffee shops keep making up batches, so as to serve them almost hot from the oven.

Step 13

To eat, break open while hot or warm, and eat with cream and different jams.