Pumpkin scones

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C/fan180°C/gas 6. Grease a baking sheet by rubbing with a little butter.
2. Put the pumpkin pieces into a saucepan and just cover with water. Bring to the boil and simmer for 10 minutes until just tender. Drain and mash with a fork. Leave to cool.
3. Sift the flour and baking powder into a big bowl. Add the butter. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until it looks like breadcrumbs.
4. Use a table knife to mix the mashed pumpkin into the flour mixture. Add the cheese and herbs, then add just enough milk to make a dough.
5. Sprinkle a little flour on a work surface and on your hands, then lightly knead the dough for 30 seconds.
6. Form the dough into a ball, then lightly pat it out to about 3cm thick. Dip a round fluted cutter in a little flour and cut out scones. Put on the baking tray, spaced a little apart.
7. Roll the spare bits of dough into a ball and flatten. Cut out the rest of the scones. Brush the tops with milk.
8. Put the scones into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, until risen and golden. Cool on a wire rack.