Two classics combined into doubly delicious results, these scones will go down a treat at a summer party, served with lashings of Pimm’s-soaked fruit and boozy whipped cream
Prep:45 mins
makes 8
300g self-raising flour½ tsp baking powder70g cold butter, cut into small cubes30g golden caster sugarzest 2 lemons150ml buttermilk2 tbsp full-fat milk
STEP 1Heat oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Cover a baking sheet with baking parchment. Put the flour and baking powder in a large bowl, add a pinch of salt, then rub in the butter with your fingertips until it is mostly incorporated – unlike pastry, you don’t need to worry about rubbing the butter in too finely. Stir in the sugar and lemon zest. In a jug, mix the buttermilk with the milk. Make a well in the centre of the flour mixture, then pour in the liquid. Use a knife to bring the dough together.STEP 2Tip out onto a clean work surface and bring together with your hands. Patting is better than rolling so that you don’t overwork the dough. Stamp out eight scones with a 7cm fluted cutter – you’ll need to reshape the dough once from the trimmings. Put the scones on the baking sheet and bake on the top shelf for 10 mins until risen and the tops are golden. Cool on a wire rack.STEP 3Mix the Pimm’s and caster sugar in a bowl. Stir in the fruit, cover and infuse in the fridge for 1 hr, then stir in the mint leaves.STEP 4In a large bowl, whisk the cream, icing sugar and Pimm’s until the mix just holds its shape.STEP 5Halve the cooled scones. Top the bottom half with a spoonful of cream and a spoonful of fruit, drizzle over some of the syrup, then sandwich with the top half.
