Absolutely, positively every single time we visited my Nanna, she served scones fresh out of the oven. A simple bread like morsel made with flour, butter, salt and milk, that’s all and sweetened with whatever jam you have (traditionally strawberry jam). My Nanna was an extraordinary jam maker and you never knew if you were going to have something like rosella, persimmon, peach, mango or whatever else she seemed to have made out of what she had.
Its been a two week break from school holidays here and breakfasts have been late so scones were on the menu one morning. This is a great one to get the kids involved. In about 20 minutes from start to finish you can have these toasty little morsels on the table. The heart shape cutter was the chosen cutter for the day by my son but I usually cut the dough in squares or just use a round cutter. I was lucky I had a small amount of cream in the fridge so our scones turned into a Devonshire Tea. Originating from the UK, a Devonshire Tea consists of scones with jam and cream (usually clotted cream) and served with a pot of tea or coffee. They are a big tradition here in Australia and one that I enjoyed with my dear Mum many times. As soon as we saw a Devonshire Tea advertised anywhere, we were there, with bells on!
They’re enjoyed best plain I believe but they can have anything added to them for a special treat. Versions like pumpkin scones, add white chocolate and raspberries, dates and grated orange rind, sultanas/raisins, chocolate chips, savoury additions like ham, cheese, grated zucchini, corn and anything else you can think of. Perfect for the kid’s lunch box. There are a lot of recipes going around for a plain scone too but I’ve always used my recipe from my high school textbook “Day to Day Cookery” and I’m pretty sure that’s the recipe my Nanna used too. And here in Australia we pronounce scone as in the name “Ron”.
Basic Scones
(from “Day to Day Cookery”)
- 2 cups self raising flour
- 2 tbs butter
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
- extra flour for rolling
- Sift flour and salt into a bowl.
- Rub butter into flour with finger tips.
- Make a well in the centre and pour milk in all at once.
- Using a knife, mix quickly and lightly until a moist dough is formed. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
- Turn out onto a floured board. Knead lightly and press out to 2.5cm thickness.
- Cut out with a round cutter and place close together on a floured tray.
- Brush top of scones with egg wash or milk.
- Bake in a hot oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden on top.
- Wrap in a cloth until cold or eat warm with butter or cream and jam.
Oldie but a goodie Anne. These days I make them using a lemonade scone recipe. Scones are a rarity at our house, but we do love them when they're had.
I love scones. I've only had a few kinds but I love the texture of them. Thanks for the recipe!
I love morning tea too Anne except my morning tea is morning coffee after I've had 3 cups of tea at breakfast! And then usually something sweet!
You must have read my mind – for I have been craving scones lately and….well…here they are!!! Must make a batch soon 🙂
I love scones, and out here there are some seriously good scone bakers… it is just a pity that I am not one of them. Scones and gravy are the 2 things I can just never get right!
love scones, haven't made them in years…bad mother I am 🙂
I need one, no two, of those right now. I'm starving and they look so good!
I have only made scones a handful of times! I totally need to make them again soon – perhaps this recipe!
The hubby and I had Tennessee vacation a few years ago and had our first scones. We loved them! I've wanted to try and recreate the spicy-cinnamon creations ever since. Thanks for sharing your recipe. Blessings, D@TheShadyPorch
I love scones, and yours sound so delicious! I'm used to having them for afternoon tea here, but I often had them for breakfast when I was growing up in Canada. It's lovely to read about your traditions and your memories of your Nanna too – and it's nice you are creating memories making your scones with your children 🙂
We used to make these a lot when my kids were small. A family favorite. I'll have to make yours. Come link them to my party today at http://www.memoriesbythemile.com/
Wanda Ann @ Memories by the Mile
I've never made scones but the recipe reminds me of biscuits! I'll have to try scones so I can see what the difference is! 😀