Even as a child I knew that my Scottish Grandmother was a cook of great imagination and skill. Born in St. Andrews Scotland in 1886, she knew hardship and the sorrow of loosing five brothers in World War One. She moved to New Zealand in 1926 with her two sons and daughter, (my Mother), looking for a better life. That was just in time to experience the poverty of the great depression. Out of all that came the creative cooking skills of being able to fashion a meal out of whatever simple cooking ingredients or leftover meal were available. She could make the most delicious food out of simple ingredients. Now looking back, I know that as a child, many of my most treasured moments were the times I watched and talked with her as she worked her magic in the kitchen. So in this article, I would like to share with you one of her simple but delicious creations:

3 cups of flour
6 teaspoons of baking powder
¼ teaspoon of salt
2 ounces of butter
1 ¼ cups of milk

Sift flour, baking powder and salt into a bowl. Cut butter into the flour until it resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add milk and mix quickly to soft dough with a knife. Lightly knead. Lightly dust an oven tray with flour. Press scone dough out onto the tray. Cut dough into 12 even-sizes squares. Leave about a 1/8th-inch space between the scones. Brush tops with milk. Bake at 425 degrees F for 10 to 12 minutes, to a golden brown.

There is nothing is more enjoyable than sitting with loved ones, sharing a pot of tea, conversation and these delicious scones spread with strawberry jam and topped with whipped cream. Yes a “Devonshire Tea Party”. I hope that you will try this simple and delicious recipe and I look forward to sharing more of my grandmothers creations with you in the future. Enjoy!