A right sconeful

I have eaten so much cake lately, I worry there will be an intervention soon....don't get me wrong, I firmly believe there is no such thing as too much cake, (I even subscribe to the theory that I am one of the lucky few who has a second stomach specifically for cake intake) but maybe it's time to see what life is like without the dizzying sugar highs?

When the need for a quick and satisfying baked good hits, cheese scones tick the box every time. 

The thought of a long baking session on a school night (followed by rounds of arduous washing up) is hardly attractive, which is why this super speedy recipe is perfect. From locating my emergency butter (yes, I hide a block of unsalted in the fridge - what of it?) to burning my tongue on that first bite (totally worth it) less then one episode of 'enders dripped on by. 

Fred, lord of the bake off

Shopping list:


225g/8oz self raising flour
pinch of salt
55g/2oz butter
40g/1oz mature cheddar cheese, grated
150ml/5fl oz milk

Make it happen: 

Baking in a 80's dream sequence...

Heat the oven to 220C/425F/Gas 7. Lightly grease a baking sheet.
Mix together the flour and salt and rub in the butter.
Stir in most of the cheese, leaving enough behind to top the scones later and then the milk to get a soft dough.

Turn on to a floured work surface and knead very lightly. Pat out to a round 2cm/¾in thick. Use a 5cm/2in cutter to stamp out rounds and place on the baking sheet. Lightly knead together the rest of the dough and stamp out more scones to use it all up.

Brush the tops of the scones with a little milk. Bake for 10 minutes until well risen and golden, remove from the oven and working quickly sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, place the tray back in the oven for a further 5 minutes or until the cheese has browned. 

Cool on a wire rack....or smother with butter and eat until an artery bursts. 

Cheese Cakes.

There are no eggs in this one, perfect for anyone like me who is usually missing one vital ingredient. 

This recipe has used good old plain Jane cheddar. For a spicy treat, add 1tsp of Cayenne Pepper to the flour. For a more golden glow and different taste use half cheddar and half Red Leicester.