ULTRAMEL SCONES

### **Step-by-Step Instructions**

#### **1. Preheat and Prepare**
– Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
– In a large mixing bowl, combine the self-raising flour and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and rub it into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. This step ensures the scones will have that light, flaky texture.

#### **2. Add the UltraMel Custard**
– Once the butter is well incorporated, pour in the UltraMel custard and sugar. Mix gently until the dough begins to come together. You’ll notice the custard adds a creamy sweetness to the dough, making it softer than typical scone mixtures.

#### **3. Add the Milk**
– Slowly pour in the milk, a little at a time, mixing as you go. Be careful not to add too much milk at once – you want the dough to be soft but not too sticky. If you’re using dried fruit or chocolate chips, fold them in gently at this stage.

#### **4. Shape the Scones**
– Once the dough has come together, lightly flour your work surface and turn the dough out onto it. Knead it gently for just a minute or so to bring it together, then roll it out to about 2.5 cm (1 inch) thick.
– Use a round cutter or a glass to cut out your scones. Place them onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.

#### **5. Prepare the Egg Wash**
– In a small bowl, beat the egg and lightly brush it over the top of each scone to give them a golden finish when they bake.

#### **6. Bake the Scones**
– Bake the scones in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are lightly golden on top and firm to the touch. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking, as you want them to stay soft and moist inside.

#### **7. Serve and Enjoy**
– Allow the scones to cool for a few minutes before serving. You can enjoy them warm or at room temperature, and they pair beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or jam.
– For an extra special touch, serve them alongside a cup of tea or coffee to complete the experience.

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### **Tips for Perfect UltraMel Scones**

1. **Keep the Butter Cold:** For the flakiest scones, make sure your butter is as cold as possible when you mix it into the flour. This helps create pockets of air that will make the scones rise beautifully.
2. **Don’t Overwork the Dough:** When mixing the dough, avoid overworking it, as this can make the scones dense. Handle the dough gently and only knead it a few times to bring it together.
3. **Customize with Add-ins:** Feel free to add extra ingredients like raisins, sultanas, or chopped nuts to the dough for added flavor and texture. Chocolate chips also work wonderfully if you want a more indulgent treat.
4. **Freshness is Key:** These scones are best enjoyed fresh, right after they’ve been baked. However, they can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days and can be re-warmed before serving.

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### **Serving Ideas**

– **Afternoon Tea:** Serve the UltraMel scones alongside a pot of tea for a traditional and comforting treat.
– **Breakfast or Brunch:** These scones make an excellent addition to any breakfast or brunch spread, especially when paired with fresh fruit and a cup of coffee or juice.
– **Dessert:** Top them with whipped cream, chocolate sauce, or fruit preserves for a delicious dessert experience.

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### **Conclusion**

These **UltraMel Scones** offer a wonderfully creamy and soft twist on a traditional favorite. With the addition of UltraMel custard, these scones have a rich texture and sweetness that makes them stand out from other scone recipes. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a homemade delight, these scones are sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.

Easy to make, indulgent, and versatile, these UltraMel scones will quickly become a favorite among friends and family. So grab your ingredients and get baking—your perfect batch of scones awaits!