Recipe: Irish Scones (oven or open fire)

IRISH SCONES

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 pound butter, softened
2 ounces sugar
1 egg, slightly beaten, divided use
2 ounces milk
Sultanas (golden raisins) (optional)
Walnut halves (optional)

Mix flour and baking powder together. Add butter, blending until mixture is butter-colored. Add sugar and continue to mix well. Add half the beaten egg and all the milk. Add raisins or some nuts, if desired, mixing well to make a sticky dough.

Turn dough onto floured board and knead at least 5 minutes or longer. Cut dough into rounds and place on greased baking sheet or hot frying pan. Brush tops of scones with remainder of beaten egg. Place walnut halves on top, if desired.

Bake at 350 to 375 degrees F for 15 to 20 minutes, or until brown. (If preparing over an open fire, heat frying pan till very hot. Place scones in pan and cook 7 to 8 minutes. Turn and cook 7 to 8 minutes more.)

Makes 6 scones
Source: Aine McManus