Classic Scones

• 340g all-purpose flour

• 20g baking powder

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 50g unsalted butter, diced

• 80g caster sugar

• 100ml milk

• 3 large eggs

• 60g raisins or sultanas

Preheat the oven to 390 (365 fan) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl whisk the flour, baking powder and salt together. Add the diced butter and using your fingers or a pastry blender rub in the butter until it resembles fine breadcrumbs. Mix in the sugar then make a well in the middle and pour in the milk, two of the eggs and the raisins. Using a wooden spoon mix together until it just comes together to form a soft wet dough.

Tip the dough out onto a well floured surface and gently knead by folding the dough in half and then turning through 45 degrees and repeating until the dough is smooth. Be careful not to overwork the dough, this is a light very brief action, you are not kneading the bread, it is more of a fold.

Lightly flour the surface of the dough and roll out to about 2.5cm inch thick. Using a 7cm round cookie cutter cut out as many scones as possible. Very gently bring the scraps of the dough back together and cut out more scones. Place the scones on the prepared baking tray and allow to rest for about an hour.

Beat the remaining egg together and brush over the tops of the scones (avoid getting any egg on the sides as this will prevent the scones from rising properly). Bake in the preheated oven for about 12 minutes or until golden brown on top. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Best served warm with clotted cream and jam.