English Scones

225g flour

1 tsp baking powder

pinch of salt

25g sugar

50g butter, softened

150ml milk

1 egg, beaten

100gr walnuts, chopped

Pre-heat the oven to 220C.

Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt into a bowl. Stir in the sugar, add the butter and rub quickly into the flour, creating a fine breadcrumb consistency.

Add the milk, a little at a time, working to a smooth dough. Add the walnuts and work them into the dough.

This is now best left to rest for 5-15 minutes before rolling.

Roll out the dough on a lightly floured work surface until 2cm thick. Using a 5cm pastry cutter, cut the dough, using one sharp tap and not twisting the dough as you cut. Twisting the scone mix will result in an uneven rising.

Once cut, the scones can be either brushed with the beaten egg for a shiny glaze, or dusted with the flour for a matt finish.

Place the scones on a greased baking tray and bake in the pre-heated oven for 10-12 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool slightly, and serve while still warm.

Bread and Butter Pudding

Bread and butter pudding is one of those classic old English recipes that really warm you up when it starts to get cold. The addition of marmalade brushed over the bread makes it fantastically crisp, with a zingy orangey bitterness that just makes the whole thing superb. I also include baileys wich I love but if you don´t like it....leave it out. This is another dessert that you don’t want to overcook because you want to have the soft insides contrasting with the crispiness on top.

350g white bread, at least 24 hours old

5 tbsp orange marmalade

3 large eggs and

1 egg yolk

250ml full fat milk

250ml double cream

1dl bailey´s liquor

2 tbsp sugar

few drops of vanilla extract

sugar and cinnamon to sprinkle

1. Set the oven at 180˚C. You will also need a deep ovenproof dish, very lightly buttered.

2. Slice the bread and trim the edges off.

3. Melt the marmalade in a small saucepan. Put half of the bread slices in the oven proof dish. Spoon half of the marmalade over the bread. Heat the milk, cream, vanilla extract, baileys and sugar in a pot and bring to the boil. Take of the heat and beat in the eggs. Pour half the egg and milk mixture over the bread. Add the remaining slices, the rest of the marmalade and the rest of egg and milk mixture. Push the bead down so it soaked with the sweet liquid. Sprinkle a little cinnamon and sugar on top.

4. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until it is puffed and golden. Shake it gently, it should wobble but show no sign of uncooked custard. Serve warm, and if you wish, with a dollop of whipped cream.