Appleby’s cheese scones are a delicious alternative to the traditional English scone and they are quick and easy to make. They can be enjoyed at any time of day as a lunch time treat, an appetising afternoon tea or as a simple snack. The combination of zesty Appleby’s Cheshire and the fresh herbs produce a wonderfully light and distinctive savoury scone that you cannot fail to enjoy!
Appleby’s Cheshire and Fresh Herb Scones (makes 12)
Ingredients:
225g plain flour, plus extra for dusting
3 teaspoons baking powder
A pinch of salt
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
50g unsalted butter, chilled and cut into cubes
75g Appleby’s Cheshire, grated
1 tablespoon of your selection of chopped fresh herbs
100ml milk, plus extra for brushing
To serve:
Unsalted butter, softened
Method:
1. Sift the flour, baking powder, salt and cayenne pepper into a large bowl
2. Rub in the butter with your fingertips until the mixture looks like fine bread crumbs, then stir in the cheese and the fresh herbs
3. Gradually add the milk and mix to form a soft but not sticky dough
4. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and pat out to about 2cm thick
5. Dip the cutter in flour and press out as many rounds as possible
6. Gather the trimmings, pat out again and cut out more rounds
7. Put the scones well apart on the baking sheet and brush the tops with milk
8. Bake in a preheated oven (200 degrees C) for about 12-15 minutes until risen and golden
9. Remove from the oven
10. Serve warm or let cool on a wire rack
11. Eat with butter