Nigella Lawson’s buttermilk scones are a culinary masterpiece, requiring no more than 20 minutes from start to finish. Her recipe promises a quick and delicious treat, perfect for any occasion. Nigella’s secret? Making a large batch and freezing some for later, ensuring a near-instant cream tea whenever the craving strikes. She even assures us that these scones thaw incredibly quickly, making them an ideal treat for those chilly autumn days. And if you happen to have some leftover, simply warm them in a preheated oven for a few minutes to revive their delightful texture.
This recipe is incredibly easy to follow, ensuring a satisfying baking experience even for beginners. Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful scones:
Ingredients:
* 500g plain flour, plus extra for dusting
* Two tsp bicarbonate of soda
* Two tsp cream of tartar
* Two tsp caster sugar
* 50g unsalted butter
* 25g soft vegetable shortening
* 300ml buttermilk
* One egg, beaten, for an egg-wash (optional)
For your convenience, all these ingredients can be found easily at major supermarkets such as Tesco and Asda, saving you time and effort. Now, let’s embark on this delectable baking journey:
Method:
1. Preheat your oven to 220C (450F/gas seven) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, combine the flour, bicarbonate of soda, cream of tartar, and sugar.
3. Chop the butter and vegetable shortening into small pieces and add them to the flour mixture.
4. Using your fingertips, rub the fats into the flour until it resembles breadcrumbs.
5. Pour in the buttermilk and mix everything together until a dough forms.
6. Lightly flour your work surface and pat the dough into a round-edged oblong about 4cm thick.
7. Using a fluted cutter, cut out 6cm scones and arrange them fairly close together on your baking sheet.
8. If you desire a golden top, brush the scones with beaten egg.
9. Bake for 12 minutes, or until the scones are dry on the bottom and feel relatively light.
10. Remove the scones from the oven and place them on a wire rack to cool.
11. Enjoy your freshly baked buttermilk scones, paired with a generous dollop of clotted cream and your favorite jam.
There you have it! Nigella Lawson’s buttermilk scones, a simple and rewarding recipe for any baking enthusiast. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to savor the deliciousness of these homemade treats.
