1lb (450g) plain flour
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
1 tsp salt
14 fl oz (400 ml) buttermilk or sour milk
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 450F (230C, Gas Mark 8).
Sift the dry ingredients into a large bowl. Make a well in the centre with your fingers and pour in most of the buttermilk. Bring the ingredients together (the kids really enjoy this part) until you have a soft dough. Add more liquid if necessary, but don't let the dough become sticky.
Turn out onto a floured surface and gently form the dough into a ball. Kneading is not necessary, and will make the bread heavy. Flatten and cut into squares or triangles. Transfer to a baking tray and bake for 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of the scones. Watch their color: if they go brown too quickly, turn the heat down to 400F (200C, Gas Mark 6) after 5-10 minutes.
Test to see if they are done by tapping - they will sound hollow when ready. Cool on a wire rack.
Herby Scones: mix 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped herbs or 1-2 teaspoons of dried herbs into the flour before adding the liquid.
Cheesy Scones: sprinkle the tops with grated cheddar or similar cheese before putting in the oven.
Olive Scones: mix chopped olives into the flour before adding the liquid.