*Apple and Cheddar Scones*
makes about 8

Beautiful scones, moist and tender on the inside and yet crisp on the outside.  Apples and cheese, the perfect combination!

225g of self raising flour (1 2/3 cups)
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
50g of unsalted butter, chilled (3 1/2 TBS)
1 tsp dry mustard powder
75g extra mature English cheddar cheese, grated (3/4 of a cup)
1 eating apple, washed and dried
100ml of milk (6 1/2 TBS)

Preheat the oven to  200*C/400*F/ gas mark 6.  Butter a baking sheet and set aside.

Sift the flour into a bowl along with the salt and baking powder.  Drop in the butter and then rub it in with your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine bread crumbs.  Stir in the mustard powder and 2/3 of the cheese.  Grate the apple into the bowl, using the large holes of a box grater.  Discard the core and pips.  Mix well to coat the apple with the flour.  Pour in the milk and mix together with a round bladed knife to make a soft dough.  Turn out onto a lightly floured surface.  Pat out to about 1/2 inch thickness.  Cut into 8 rounds.  Gather together the scraps and re-pat as necessary.  Place onto the baking sheet, leaving some space in between.  Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over top of them all.

Bake in the heated oven for 15 minutes, until well risen and golden brown.  Scoop off onto a wire rack to cool.  Serve warm, or cold as desired.