Orange and date scones

I know it's only September but the weather today was so grim that it really did feel like December and what is December all about...? Christmas of course! These scones not only taste sublime but fill the kitchen with a cinnamonny, zesty, Christmassy smell. So those of you who believe Christmas cannot begin until mid-December better stop reading as these scones are the epitome of the festive spirit.

Ingredients

300g self raising flour

1 tsp baking powder

50g butter

2 tsp ground cinnamon

zest of one orange

30g caster sugar

1 egg

125ml milk

100g dates (roughly chopped)

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 200C and line a baking tray.

2. In a large bowl combine the flour and baking powder.

3. Then add the butter, and using your fingertips rub the mixture until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.

4. Add the cinnamon, zest, sugar, egg and milk and mix thoroughly.

5. Finally, add the chopped dates.

6. On a clean, floured work surface, gently roll the dough out (about 6cm thick).

7. Using a cutter or glass, form rounds of dough and then place them on the baking tray.

8. Brush with milk then bake for 12-15 mins until golden.

9. Best eaten warm with butter and honey.