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Cheese And Herb Scones
Cheese is one of the most versatile and useful of cooking ingredients. You can make it a part of nearly any meal, it has long keeping properties and adds a savoury flavour to food. Locally we have about ten cheeses to choose from and hundreds from other parts of Britain. Artisan cheese makers are developing exciting new cheeses as well as the old favourites made in the traditional way. If you start counting those produced over the channel you are into the thousands.
Cheese is approximately one third protein, one third fat and one third water with a few essential vitamins and minerals as well. Although being nutritious it is best not to eat too much at once because of the high fat content so cheese is usually mixed with other ingredients in cookery recipes.
A good recipe for beginners is cheese scones, which are really quick to make and cook. Any hard cheese can be used, the tastier the better.
Ingredients
- 250 g Self Raising Flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 50 g Butter
- 100 g Cheddar Cheese
- 1 teaspoon Mixed Herbs
- 150 ml Milk
Method
- Begin by setting the oven really hot - 220°C or gas Mk 7.
- Sift the flour into a roomy bowl, add the baking powder and butter and mix all together until they form a crumbly texture.
- Add the grated cheese and herbs.
- Gradually work in the milk mixing gently with a knife.
- Bring the mixture together with your hands - it should be soft but not sticky.
- Shape the dough into a round on a board and then roll out to a circle 2.5 cm thick and cut out 8 round scones with a 5cm cutter.
- Place on a floured baking tray and dust with a little flour or brush with beaten egg.
- Bake for 7-10 minutes until well risen and golden brown.
- Serve while still warm with butter or soft cheese.