Scones - quick, easy and delicious!

1. Preheat oven to 240 degrees.

2. Sift together flour, baking powder and salt.

3. Add butter.

4. Rub in butter till mixture resembles damp sand.

5. Whisk egg.

6. Add milk to egg.

7. Add milk/egg to flour mixture. Leave a little for brushing tops of scones before baking.

8. Add raisins/sultanas if using.

9. Mix quickly using knife.

10. Dough should now be sticky and cling to your fingers. Gooey - but you know you've got it right!

11. Turn out onto floured board and pat to around 1/4 inch (2cm) thick. No need to use a rolling pin.

12. Cut with small round cutter (2 inch/5 cm is ideal) or upturned glass dipped in flour.

13. Place on baking tray lined with parchment or sprinkled with flour. Arrange in a circle just touching each other for even baking.

14. Brush tops with leftover milk/egg mixture. If none left, use a little plain milk. Or if you have an egg to spare, use that. The whole egg will give you a golden colour, while just the yolk whisked will give you a darker finish.

15. Put in oven for 10 minutes or so until pale golden brown.

16. Serve immediately with butter and jam. Also delicious with jam and whipped cream.