Date and Walnut Scones

Earlier this week, I watched Valentine Warner and Ed Baines on the Country Show Cook Off http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01rcrnx  where they attempted and entered Date and Walnut scones at the Nidderdale show.  It was a hillarious show; as we all find amusment in other failings!  So while not particularly inspired by their bakes  (Ed's were too wet and spead while baking and Valentine's were too heavy on the baking powder (- I thought - but I've just searched his recipe and it does not contain any!) they unsuprisingly did not win any prizes!) but I was inspired and therefore made my own (which are yummy). 

Here’s my recipe: 

225g Self-raising Flour
40g unsalted butter
30g caster sugar
Pinch of salt
1 tsp baking powder
40g (approx. 5) chopped dates
30g chopped walnuts
150ml full fat milk
1 tbsp Greek yogurt

In a large mixing bowl, rub the butter into the flour to resemble breadcrumbs.  Stir in the sugar, salt and baking powder.

Add the yogurt and a little milk, mix with a knife.  Continue to mix in the milk a little at a time until the dough has come together, but not wet.  Just before all the crumbs have mixed I lightly use my hands.  Knead as little as possible 2-3 presses should be enough to bring together, if not add a little more milk. 
On a floured board lightly knead a couple more times if the dough is too wet, add a little more flour to the board – but it should not be too dry either.
Pat out the dough with your hand so it is nice and flat, run a rolling pin over the dough once each way getting it about 2.5cm thick.  Lift the dough up and gently put back down to relax the dough.  (You can also check that there is not too much flour under the dough – this will stick to the cutter, and you will get lop-sided scones once cooked)
Using a 68mm cutter cut out rounds (if dough is a little wet, dip cutter in flour between each cut)
Place scones on a greased baking sheet.  Leave to rest for 10 minutes (or if like me just while the oven heats up) brush top with milk or egg wash (beaten egg with a pinch of salt) make sure it does not drip down the side – or it will hinder the rise.
Heat oven to 200ºC (Fan)
Bake for 12 minutes when done cool on cooling rack.


I thought these were perfect, but it is personal taste.  If you want to change the quantity of Walnuts or dates, then do it to taste, it will not affect the overall bake.

The Greek yogurt can be substiuted with Buttermilk, crème fraiche or sour cream it adds a lovely texture to the scones!

These are the perfect size for my brood, but obviously if you use a smaller cutter you will get more!