Date scones

Ready in 35 minutes, makes 6 scones.

• 3 cups self-raising flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 40g butter, at room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups dates, chopped
• 1 cup milk
• 6 dates, sliced in half lengthways

1. Preheat the oven to 180ºC.

2. Sift the  our and sugar into a large bowl.

3. Rub the butter into the flour to resemble fine breadcrumbs.

4. Add the chopped dates and milk. Using a knife, form the dough and divide into 6 large scones.

5. Lightly flour your hands and mould the mixture into balls.

6. Place on a lightly greased tray, top each with 2 date slices and flatten slightly.

7. Bake for 25 minutes.