Spiced currant scones

Prep: 10 mins

Cook: 15 mins

Lovely scones that are perfect with a cup of tea for breakfast!

75ml currants
60mls water
450g plain flour
1½ tsp baking powder
1½ tsp mixed spice
30g caster sugar
Pinch of salt
85g butter or margarine
2 medium eggs
200ml milk

Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas Mark 3 and lightly grease a baking sheet.

Combine the currants and water in a small saucepan and cook over low heat for 5 minutes or until all the water has been absorbed. Set aside to cool for 5 minutes.

Sieve the flour and baking powder into a large mixing bowl.

Rub in the butter or margarine, using your finger tips to resemble fine breadcrumbs.

Mix in the caster sugar, mixed spice and salt.

Then add in the cooled currants and mix well.

In a separate jug, beat the eggs and mix in the milk.

Pour into the dry ingredients and mix until combined - it will be a soft dough.

Turn out onto a floured board and bring together. Try to avoid touching the dough too much as it will make the final scone tough in texture.

Roll out to approx 1 inch or 3cm thick.

Using a cookie cutter, cut the scones out and place on the prepared baking sheet.

Brush the top with a little beaten egg yolk if desired.

Bake for 15 minutes until the top is golden brown.

Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before transferring to a wire tray to cool fully.