Val's Cheese Scones

The Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival is this weeked, many of us will be tasting and buying cheese by the bagful! But what are you going to do with your freshly purchased cheese? Luckily Val Stones, contestant from The Great British Bake Off 2016 has provided us with this delicious Cheese Scones recipe. You can use your own choice of cheese for this mouthwatering recipe, fit for any lunch or afternoon tea.

Image courtesy of VivenneClore.com

Ingredients

150g self raising flour plus extra for rolling out 2 teaspoons mustard powder ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon soft brown sugar ½ teaspoon salt 40g unsalted butter 200g strong cheese of your choice, either red or white 1 large egg 4 tablespoons plain yogurt

Method

 

Preheat your oven to 200°C (fan)

Place a baking sheet in the oven lined with a silicone sheet or parchment.

Sift all the dry ingredients into a bowl and rub in the butter until it disappears.

Grate and stir in the cheese and salt leaving a little cheese to top the scones.

Add the yogurt in the bowl and whisk to combine all of the ingredients together.

Fold the egg into the ingredients and use a knife to combine the ingredients.

Don't over work the scone mix, finish combining the mixture with your hands and form into a round shape and flatten a little with your hand.

Roll out very lightly to 2cm thick, try to roll evenly so that the scones are roughly even.

Using a plain 2cm round cutter press straight down onto the dough. Try not to twist the cutter because the sides of the scones may stick together and the rise may be spoiled.

When all the scones are cut take the heated baking sheet out of the oven and quickly place the scones on the sheet allowing some space for the scones to spread a little.

Scatter the remaining cheese on top of the scones and place the sheet back in the oven.

Bake the scones for about 12- 15 minutes. The scones should be well risen and the base and top should be crisp.

Finally place on a rack to cool. The scones can be eaten hot or cold and once cold can be frozen if they last that long!