Sunday 25 October 2020

Mary Berry's Cheese Scones

Mary Berry's Cheese Scones

I wanted to make some scones to enjoy the other day.  I have made quite a few scones here on the blog and I love them all. I do like to try new things however from time to time.
 
On this particular day I turned to the doyenne of British baking and cookery, Mary Berry.  She has a lot of scone recipes. I chose to make her Cheese Scones.  

Mary Berry's Cheese Scones


  Before I talk about them however I wanted to tell you about something else. Perhaps you may have noticed the new background beneath my photos here on the blog today.

It is courtesy of the Paper Bag Co.  They were so impressed with my IG photos and the photos here on the blog they wanted to send me one of their Instagram Photo Bags. I don't know what was so impressive about my photos, but I am always open to discovering new ways of improving them.

Paper Bag Co Foodie Bag 

   This is what they call their Instagram Bag, the Foodie Bag.  It has been created through a collaberation between phone photographer Matt Inwood and Stylist Sophie Purser. 

It is designed especially for those who enjoyand have a passion for taking photographs of food specifically for posting them online, ideally on Instagram.

The Instagram Bag 


It is acually quite a large bag.  The perfect size for holding your photograph taking equipment, making it easier to take along with you. 


The Instagram Bag

Included in the bag is a 15-inch photographic reflector and diffuser.  This is the tool which all professional photographers have at the top of their kit bag. 

It is designed to help you to brighten and enhance both highlights and shadows, and either subtly or dramatically alter the lighting and colour in all of the images you create.

The Instagram Bag

 Included are a set of four beautifully crafted papers from Black Velvet Styling, the photographic backdrop company set up by stylist Sophie a couple of years ago.  These have been designed to provide affordable backdrops for amateurs and professionals to create mouthwatering images of their food and still life creations. 

They are perfect for transforming a plate of food into a gorgeous image fit for sharing on Instagram and we’ve given you a variety of starter colours and textures to experiment with. I have used one of them here today as a backdrop for my scones.

The Instagram Bag
Also included is an exclusive set of ten beautiful postcards for Cotton Bag Company, with tips on the reverse of each explaining how to use light, think about composition, choose your background and much, much more. 

These have been put together by renowned phone photographer Matt Inwood to share some of his knowledge on how to get the most from shooting with your phone camera. Matt has been running critically acclaimed phone photography workshops for more than three years. 

I have to say it is quite an impressive bag of tools and I am really looking forward to really exploring everything about it when I am settled and back to work in Canada.  If you are interested in discovering more about it you can find out more about it here.

Mary Berry's Cheese Scones

Now back to Mary Berry's Cheese Scones.  These are THE perfect cheese scone.  I have made cheese scones before in the past and they were good, but these are excellent.

Then again, what would you expect from Mary Berry!  She is an expert in all things baked and otherwise when it comes to cooking.  I trust her judgement explicitly!


I have to say that the background paper I chose for these photos fit with the subject matter beautifully. It also went very well with my dishes, setting everything off beautifully.

I so love my dishes and I really hope that I will be able to transport them to Canada. They are me in every way.  I do so love the colour white, and I also love hearts and words on things.

Mary Berry's Cheese Scones

 I will tell you upfront that I ended up using a bit too much milk in my scones. I misinterpreted how much 1/4 pint actually was in ounces. In otherwords, I got mixed up. 

My dough was a bit wetter than it should have been. But I persevered and all credit to Mary, despite my dough being somewhat on the wet side, they still turned out beautifully.

Mary Berry's Cheese Scones

 I have made sure that won't happen to you. My measurements in the recipe are exactly what they should be.  No worries on that score. 

These scones have a mix of beautiful flavours. Dry mustard powder and cayenne powder are both included in the mix.

Mary Berry's Cheese Scones

 These are both ingredients that go very well with cheese. I always use them in the sauce for my favourite macaroni and cheese recipe. 

It does use self-raising flour. I understand that self-raising flour is no something some of you can get ahold of easily, but don't worry. I have included instructions in the notes on how you can make your own.

Mary Berry's Cheese Scones

 Included as well is plenty of grated strong/sharp cheddar cheese. Do use the best cheese that your money can buy.

The better the cheese, the tastier the scone. I used a vintage cheddar from  Wyke Farms. One thing I will miss from over here is the cheese.

Mary Berry's Cheese Scones

British cheeses are beautiful and there is such a lovely variety of them. I became a true cheese lover only since  moving here to the UK.  

Prior to this I only ate processed cheese for the most part. Nobody had ever truly been able to tempt me into trying anything stronger.

Mary Berry's Cheese Scones
I fell in love with the cheese here in the UK almost instantly. I used to buy bags of cheese crumbs from the cheese monger in the Chester Marker.  They were a mix of every kind of cheese he had been using on any particular day.

I was never disappointed.  They were always wonderful in sauces and sandwiches, on pizzas etc.  

Mary Berry's Cheese Scones

 Then of course when I worked at the manor I used to cook for a lot of dinner parties. Silver service, multiple courses.

The dinner parties always ended with a cheese course. I need to be able to put together a delicious cheese tray for my employers and their guests. The only way I could do that is if I learn about, to taste and to enjoy the cheese.

Mary Berry's Cheese Scones

I used to put together an assortmnt of five or six cheeses.  One traditional such as a good cheddar.  One blue of some kind or a stilton. One cheese would be soft for spreading such as an ash covered goats cheese 

I would also include a French cheese and possibly a German or a Swiss. There would also be fruit. Grapes and pears were a favourite along with apple wedges. Sometimes if I could get it, membrillo or quince paste.


I became somewhat of an expert at putting together the cheese course.  And I couldn't have done it without being brave enough to taste and try the different cheeses

These scones are beautiful served warm and split with some cold butter and some chilli jam. Its that sweet/hot/savoury combination that most people love. They are best on the day, but you can have it on good authority that they are also very good eaten cold the day after, whilst hunched over a computer keyboard.

Mary Berry's Cheese Scones
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Mary Berry's Cheese Scones

Yield: 8 regular scones
Author: Marie Rayner
prep time: 10 Mincook time: 15 Mintotal time: 25 Min
Delicious cold or warm. These are fabulous cut in half and spread wih lashings of butter and a bit of chili jam!

Ingredients

  • 2 cups plus 1 tsp (225g) self-rising flour (See note)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp dry mustard powder
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne powder
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 2 TBS cold butter
  • 1 1/4 cup (150g) grated mature cheddar cheese
  • 1 large free-range egg
  • milk to the equivalent of 5 fluid ounces (1/4 pint)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 220*C/425*F/ gas mark 7.  Line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Sift the flour into a bowl along with the salt, mustard powder, cayenne pepper and baking powder. Drop in the butter and rub it into the flour mixture until the mixture resembles bread crumbs. Stir in 2/3 of the cheese.
  3. Break the egg into a measuring jug and add milk to give you the equivalent of 5 fluid ounces (1/4 pint). Stir this into the dry mixture and mix to a soft but not sticky dough.  Turn out onto a floured board and knead lightly for a few turns. Pat out into a 6 inch round.
  4. Stamp out into rounds using a sharp round (2 1/2 inch) cutter and place onto the baking sheet.  Brush the tops with a bit more milk and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
  5. Bake for 15 minutes in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until well risen and golden.  Slip onto a wire rack to cool.  Best eaten on the day.

notes:

To Make Self Raising Flour: Just add 1 1/4 teaspoons of baking powder for each 150g/6oz/1 cup plain flour, plus 1/4 tsp salt. Sift the flour, salt, and baking powder together into a bowl before using, to make sure the baking powder is thoroughly distributed (or you can put both ingredients into a bowl and whisk them together).
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Mary Berry's Cheese Scones

You really cannot fault any of Mary Berry's recipes. If you follow them scrupulously, they always turn out and are fail proof!  I have never had a failure with any of them!  


The Best of British Baking 




If you are a Baking Enthusiast and a fan of British Baking you are going to love this new book I wrote, set to be published on the 28th of December (2021)!!!  It is available for Pre-order now!  From fluffy Victoria sponges to sausage rolls, the flavors of British baking are some of the most famous in the world. Learn how to create classic British treats at home with the fresh, from-scratch, delicious recipes in The Best of British Baking. It's all here in this delicious book!




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20 comments

  1. What a lovely surprise to get a useful photographic gift like that. A great and much needed confidence boost as well (you really need to believe in yourself) I know you will put it to good use.

    I agree with you about Mary Berry's recipes - they are always reliable and always a success. She's been in the business a long time and there is a very good reason for that. I read the other day that Price Phillip likes her recipes and tv shows - you can't get better than a royal endorsement :)

    I love scones and have introduced my husband to them as well. And cheese is one of my weaknesses. I love them all! We had a wide selection of top quality cheeses in Australia so I grew up appreciating them. It was a shock to the system to arrive here and see the rubbery, tasteless soap my husband called cheese. I've managed to wean him away from that and to a good Gouda for his morning toast. My special love is strong, crumbly, aged cheese, but as I'm likely to scoff the lot, I buy it only around Christmas. I'm not to be trusted around a cheese board.

    These scones sound ideal to have with soup, especially with the cheese/cayenne combination. I did smile at "that they are also very good eaten cold the day after, whilst hunched over a computer keyboard" - you are more disciplined than me - there would not be any left to have the next day - ha, ha.

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    1. I had some, I think it was Norwegian cheese, once and I have to admit it was pretty terrible. An aquired taste I think. It was brown and admittedly I did not care for it in the least. The foods we love are very much associated to those which we grow up with and what is familiar to us. I guess that is where the phrase "one man's meat is another man's poison" comes from. haha, had to laugh at me being more disciplined than you! Somehow I doubt that! xoxo

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    2. Letting you know that I made these to have with a hearty Vegetable and Lentil Winter Stew last night. As you promised, they were perfect.

      And as I promised, there were no leftovers - ha, ha!

      Sending love your way as you are flying back to the land of the Maple Leaf. ♥♥

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  2. I could not be happier for you and it did make a difference..What a gift bag! Better than Trick Or Treating.I love backgrounds but I have resorted to buying cardboard at $ store and splattering paint on 2 or 3 but they never look pro..these do.I love that they are not huge!Perfect size inmho.Well deserved..and how thoughtful of them Marie.I love Mary Berry and everything about her..Especially her recipes and courage to get through hardships with such grace..Hey..kind of like you:)

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    1. I have often used just a tea towel. Maybe I can take this in my carry on. We will see! You flatter me. You really do, lol. But I thank you! xoxo

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  3. Thanks Laurie! I hope so! If I can make people hungry then I am doing my job! xoxo

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  4. That loks like an amazing photography kit, will check it out. My dad always made cheese scones and I do too. I'll try out Mary's recipe.

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    1. Both are amazing Linda! Hope you try the scones! xoxo

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  5. I remember making cheese scones in my school domestic science lessons-they were moderately successful but not on Mary Berry's level. I recently tried manchego for the first time and was unimpressed-this may have been to almost eating the inedible rind by mistake.
    I saw your update about moving back to Canada-hope everything goes smoothly- i'm sure your children and grandchildren will be thrilled to see you again.

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    Replies
    1. I have to say manchego doesn't do it for me either Jay! Thanks very much. xoxo

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  6. What a lovely offering to receive by professionals who recognise talent when they see it... of course they were impressed, your food blog is one of the best. Hopefully you'll be able to bring this kit with you and put to good use once you're settled and ready to get back to work. I am soooo looking forward to all the wonderful stories waiting to come out of Nana Marie's Maritime Kitchen <3

    So true about the cheese. It's much better here than it used to be insofar as we have more artisanal cheese makers and specialty cheese mongers outside of the major cities now. Still though, some of our favourite tastiest, crumbly cheddar comes from England and would be perfect for these scones. Could the secret be in all the tea English cows sip?

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    1. I am looking forward to it as well Jen! Blame it all on the rain! It is the rain in this country that adds to its beauty and green-ness, and I am sure it has something to do with its beautiful dairy/cheeses/etc. as well! xoxo

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  7. Oh, these look so good -- but then, what's not to love about Mary Berry. And what a wonderful surprise gift, too! Fabulous!

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  9. I've some lovely extra sharp cheddar in the fridge, so will try this one. One thing I'd like to mention, is if you purchase self-raising flour here in the US, many of the brands are a very low protein content, equal to cake flour at about 8.9%. I made my own self-raising flower at my bakery, and used A/P flour at about 11.7%. Then during lockdown, I bought self-raising flour, and was surprised when the texture was much more crumbly than I expected. Duh, blame the protein content of the flour.

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    1. I do prefer to make my own self raising flour. Yes, the protein and even altitude can make a huge difference when baking! I hope you enjoy these! xo

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  10. Just bought your book. In 24 years of living in Texas, no-one has ever explained the difference between volume and weight measurement. Hence, I have never been successful at British baking. Love your book. Thank you.

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  11. Hi Marie, I would love to this recipe, I live in Australia, please could you tell me what 1/4 pint of milk is in ML please. Thanks so much

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    Replies
    1. That would be 142ml. Hope this helps! Enjoy the scones!

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  12. Morning Marie! I just opened your post and there was my breakfast waiting for me to make!
    I agree with you, I'll take British cheddar over Canadian any day, but since it is more expensive I have to leave it for special occasions such as Christmas. That is why I can now use the leftover for these scones! I can't have peppers, but I will have these with my homemade cranberry sauce. Thanks for sharing.

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