Yield: 8 servings
2 c Self-rising flour
1/4 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon Ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon Ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon Ground mace
1/4 teaspoon Ground coriander
1/2 c Solid vegetable shortening, cut in chunks
3/4 c Superfine sugar
1/4 c Raisins (plumped)
1/3 c Pitted dates, quartered
1/4 c Milk (about)
1 Egg yolk, beaten
1 tablespoon Packed light brown sugar
Butter
Rich and spicy, the scone is baked in one piece.
Preheat oven to 400F (205C). Grease a large baking sheet; set aside. Sift flour, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, mace and coriander unto a large bowl. With your fingers, rub in shortening until mixture is crumbly. Add sugar, raisins, and dates; mix well. Turn out onto baking sheet and pat with your hands to make an 8-inch round about 3/4-inch thick. With a sharp knife, score top in 8 wedges. Brush with egg yolk and sprinkle with brown sugar. Bake about 20 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer to wire rack and cool about 5 minutes. Serve warm with butter.