STRAWBERRY PICKING AND SCONES RECIPE

The weather today has been beautiful; not a cloud in the sky and the sun shining bright. The perfect excuse for a day out. It was just me and my mum at home today, so we decided to make the most of the sunshine and go strawberry picking.

When it comes down to where to go, we just leave it to a bit of an adventure. We eventually came across somewhere pretty close to where I live, called Wash Farm. The location is in  Hedingham, Essex. It is such a lovely place and if you don't live too far away it makes a great day out, with attractions such as Hedingham castle and Colne Valley Railways.

The best time to go strawberry picking is around now. Last year we left it until August and there was barely a strawberry in site. I think its such a fun alternative to buying strawberries from a supermarket, especially since you can choose exactly which ones you like the look of. It's also good knowing exactly where they have come from, and that they are nice and fresh. 

Hunting around for the best looking strawberries is always a fun task. I felt like a little child when I found the really big ones because I got so excited. The plants were really low down on the ground, so you literally had to get on your hands and knees to search for them. My mum and I did go a little crazy and ended up with a massive basket full. However, they are so delicious I doubt they will be around for long in our house! (It's always a bonus knowing they are good for you too). We also picked up a punnet of raspberries and some double cream on our way.

We then visited a lovely nearby pub, which unfortunately I can't remember the name of. We had a drink and some food outside in the garden area. It had a lovely view of the castle.

 A nice way to enjoy strawberries is with scones and cream. Once we got home, we decided to make some gluten-free scones to enjoy with them. If you would like to make some of your own then read on! (alternatively you can use normal self-raising flour!)

Ingredients: 

450g Gluten free self-raising flour

2 heaped tsp baking powder

 75g butter

 50g caster sugar

 2 eggs

 225ml milk

1) Pre-heat the oven to 220°C

2) Add the flour and baking powder into a bowl, and rub the butter into it using your fingertips until it resembles breadcrumbs. Stir in the sugar. 

3) Beat the eggs in a measuring jug, and then add to them the milk ( it should make up about 1/2 pint ) Leave aside around 2 tbsp of the mixture for the glaze. Then, gradually add the mixture into the dry ingredients until you have a dough. It should be of a sticky consistency. 

4) Put the dough onto a floured surface and roll out to about 2cm thick. Use a 2inch cutter to stamp out the shape of the scones. It should make around 15-20. Place onto a baking tray and glaze with the remaining milk/egg mixture you set aside earlier. 

5) Place in the oven and leave to bake for around 10-15 minutes. Leave to cool on a wire cooling rack. 

Serve with your fresh strawberries and some cream!