This week it's all about the menfolk at hilary johnson handmade as we look forward to celebrating Father's Day on 21st June. It's fair to say that our own chaps don't like a fuss and are busy making hay (literally while the sun shines), renewing the render on the front of the workshop and generally doing jobs that need doing - but we think they'd love a surprise like this on father's day...
Scones appear at most coffee mornings and bring-and-share teas here in deepest Devon and every family has its own recipe. Ours is from the 1975 edition of Good Housekeeping Colour Cookery which is our absolute favourite no-nonsense recipe book (we like our cookery books how we like our bags - no superfluous details). Enjoy those imperial measures!
Plain oven scones
1. Sift 8 oz of self-raising flour and 1/2 level tsp salt into a basin and rub in 1-2 oz fat with your fingertips.
2. Make a well in the centre and stir in enough milk (about 1/4 pint) to make a light spongy dough - just firm enough to handle.
3. Knead lightly on a floured board to remove any cracks then roll out to 1 inch thick.
4. Cut into shapes with a sharp cutter dipped in flour and place on a floured baking sheet.
5. Glaze with a beaten egg or milk.
6. Bake near the top of a hot oven (210 if it's a fan oven, 220-ish if not) for 7-10 minutes until well risen and nicely browned.
7. Ta-dah!
