duileasc (dulse) and cheese scones
These have become my signature scone and people who attend my seaweed courses expect to taste or make a batch.
Seaweed used: Duileasc (Dulse)
Makes 20 -22 small scones
Scones
40g (11/2 oz) duileasc, toasted and crumbled
Olive oil, for frying
2 onions, chopped very finely
2 garlic cloves
450g (1lb) plain flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
2 level teaspoons mustard powder
1/4 teaspoon cream of tarter
1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
85g (3oz) butter, softened
225ml (8fl oz) milk
1 egg, beaten
85g (3oz) strong sheep or goats’ cheese or a strong cheddar, for example Mount Callan, grated
25g (1oz) strong cheddar, grated, as above or a smoked cheese, or Parmesan, for sprinkling
Cook’s Tip
To avoid re-rolling the dough, shape it into a square. Brush with reserved milk and egg mixture and sprinkle cheese on top. Using a large cleaver or knife cut the dough into 2.5cm (1 inch) lengths across and then down making a grid of scones each about 2.5cm (1 inch) square. Transfer the scones to the baking tray to bake as above.
To prepare the scones
Preheat the oven 210°C / 410°F / Gas 6 1/2.
Lightly grease one large baking tray.
1. Heat the oil in the pan, add the onions and garlic and fry gently over moderate heat for 3 minutes until softened and transparent. Add the crumbled duileasc towards the end and mix gently to combine. Set aside to cool.
2. Sift the flour and baking powder into a mixing bowl. Stir in the mustard, cream of tartar and cayenne pepper. Dice and rub in the butter with your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Make a well and pour in the milk and egg, reserving a little. Mix gently to combine. Stir in the cheese, and the cooled onion and duileasc mixture.
3. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and flatten by hand or with a rolling pin, to a thickness of just over 2.5cm (1 inch).
4. Using a 3.5cm (1 1/2 inch) round diameter cutter stamp out scones and place on the baking trays.
5. Brush with the reserved milk ans egg mixture and sprinkle cheese on top.
6. Bake in the oven for 12 minutes until golden. Remove and cool slightly on a wire rack. Best served warm with butter.