Scones for tea

A dozen scones for when unexpected visitors arrive for tea. Sweet or savory, ready in a jiffy.

Ingredients

1½ cups (8oz; 250g) self-raising flour

½ stick (2oz; 60g) butter

A pinch of salt

2 tbsp (1oz; 30g) sugar or grated cheese

approx. 3/4 cup (6oz; 180ml) milk

Preheat the oven. You want it hot: 425°F (220°C).

Rub the butter into the flour. Mix in the salt, and sugar or cheese. Add milk folding gently to get a soft, light dough.

On a floured worktop, shape the dough ¾in (2cm) thick. Brush the top with a little milk. Cut with a sharp knife into squares or diamonds — or use a cookie cutter to stamp out rounds, then reshape the remaining dough.

Bake on a greased tray or silicon paper for 12-15 minutes.

Serve with plenty of butter, and a good stew, or with jam and clotted cream, as appropriate.