Basic Scone Recipe

(for approximately 12 scones). Place the baking sheet in the oven and preheat to 450 degrees F. Sift the measured flour twice with the baking powder, salt, and other fine ingredients such as powdered mustard (which you would use if you were making cheese scones). Dice the fats into the dry ingredients, then lightly rub in with cool fingertips or a pastry blender until completely blended. Make a well in the center and stir in the milk. Lightly mix with a fork until the ingredients form a soft dough. Turn out onto a floured board and knead very lightly for about 30 seconds to a loose, smooth dough. Roll out with a rolling pin to approximately 3/4 inch thick. Stamp out with a 2-inch cutter or cut into triangles with a sharp knife. Lightly knead together any trimmings and roll and stamp out again. Lift with a spatula onto the HOT baking sheet, placing 1 inch apart. Brush only the tops with lightly beaten egg or milk. Bake toward the top of the oven for approximately 10 minutes, or until well risen and golden brown. Lift onto a wire rack with the spatula to cool. (If you were to make cheese scones, you would add 1 3/4 cups very finely grated mature cheddar cheese, and a pinch of dry English mustard)