Sharp Old Cheddar Scones With Smoked Salmon Recipes

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 8 and line a baking sheet with baking parchment. Tip the flour, ½ tsp salt and baking powder into a bowl and stir to combine. Rub the butter in using your fingertips for around 5 mins until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Quickly stir in the milk using a cutlery knife. Bring the mixture together with your hands, then knead briefly on a lightly floured surface and form into a ball (be careful not to overwork the dough). Flatten the dough into a 16cm circle, then cut into eight triangles. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
• Mix the sesame seeds, poppy seeds and a grind of black pepper together in a small bowl. Brush the scones with the beaten egg, then sprinkle with the seed mixture and a pinch of sea salt flakes. Bake for 18-20 mins until cooked through. Leave to cool on a wire rack until just warm. To freeze, leave to cool completely, then pack into food bags and freeze for up to three months.
• Combine the soft cheese with the spring onions and chives. Serve the scones slightly warm with the soft cheese mixture and smoked salmon, with some capers and dill fronds scattered over, if you like.

Steps:

• For the scones, heat oven to 230C/210C fan/gas 8 and lightly flour a baking sheet. Mix the flours, bicarb, chopped dill and 1 tsp fine salt in a large bowl, then rub in the butter until it disappears. Tip in the milk and stir briefly to a sticky dough.
• Scrape the dough onto a floured surface, dust the dough and your hands with more flour, then fold the dough over 2-3 times to smooth a little. Pat into a 4cm-deep round. Use a 7cm cutter to stamp out scones (see tip, below). Press trimmings together and repeat. Brush with milk, scatter with poppy seeds, then bake for 15-18 mins or until golden and well risen. Cool on a rack. As with all scones, these are best eaten on the day.
• For the pickle, stir sugar into vinegar until dissolved. Halve and deseed the cucumber, slice thickly, then toss with the vinegar, onion and chilli. Leave for at least 15 mins in the fridge. Can be made up to 24 hrs ahead. When ready to serve, tear remaining dill over the relish. Split scones, spread with soft cheese and top with a ribbon of salmon and a little relish.