Memories of school

Thank you for all your lovely comments last week.  I didn't particularly like school and don't have too many happy memories of those days. I was bullied a fare bit both in primary and secondary school. Well 4ft nothing, red hair and glasses I was a bit of a sitting duck. Anyway enough of that, the memory the comments did spark was around domestic science or home economics depending which title your school chose to use.

Essentially this lesson was supposed to prepare you for life's rich tapestry teaching you about needlework, knitting in case you ever needed to knit socks and yes this was where I made my first pair, cookery, child care and how to run a home economically, and most importantly how to look after your husband, I think I must have been off sick that day.  Oh how times have changed.

The first thing I can remember making in needlework was a little fold over needle case, I'm sure there are those of you out there that still have one of these tucked away somewhere.  The second thing you made was your apron with your name embroidered onto it.  I still remember mine it was bright yellow check with my name embroidered in red and I can still remember Mrs Gray the teacher telling me that I hadn't inherited my mothers skills with a sewing machine and I have to say she was right about that, however I could knit and crochet albeit basic so I did have an advantage over others there.

Once you had made your apron you moved onto cookery. We had several teachers over the years but Mrs White stands out the most to me, even if your cake was a total disaster she would still find something nice to say about it.  

One thing I was good at making was scones whether they be plain, fruit or cheese and I still make my scones the same way now as I did back then.  Sadly I am not like Mary Berry who still possesses the first set of metal cutters she bought, mine are plastic and the sizes have long since warn off the sides but are about 30 years old and still kept in their little plastic container and all present and correct.

Yesterday the boys were off out for the day and I had the house to myself, just me and the furry paws.  My intention was to spend the day working on D's birthday gift but I got a little side tracked and spent the day baking instead.  Once a week we take it in turns to bring a treat to the office and this coming week it's my turn.  My grandmother's iced tea bread is always a favorite but I thought I would also make some cheese scones. They are very quick and easy and only take about half an hour to prep and cook.

If you fancy having a go you will need

225g/8oz self raising flour
55g/2oz butter
25g/1oz of grated mature cheddar cheese
pinch of salt
150ml of milk

• Preheat your oven to 220c/gas mark 7, grease your baking tray or like me cheat and line it with non-stick baking paper.
• Mix together the flour, salt and rub in the butter till it looks like fine breadcrumbs.
• Add the cheese and stir and then add the milk and pull together until you have a soft dough.
• Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and lightly knead. 
• Roll out until about 2cm thick. 
• Dip your cutter into a little flour so that the dough won't stick and cut out your scones and place onto your baking tray. Depending how big you like your scones you should get 6-8 medium sized or 8-10 small.
• Brush to tops with a little milk and bake in the oven for 12 - 15 minutes until well risen and golden brown.
• Cool on a wire rack

Once cooled they are lovely with cheese and a little chutney on the top. Now I just have to hope they don't all disappear before tomorrow or I could find myself making another batch for the office.

Enjoy

Mx