Get baking with our top tips on how to make perfect scones - and learn other cheap recipes (2024)

MY new motto for these times is: “Bake do and mend.”

If I can’t get what I need, I enjoy the challenge of whipping up fun, speedy recipes with just a few ingredients.

And I use the CakeUlator costing app on cakebaker.com to work out the price per portion.

Mary Berry won’t be too worried but this lot are tried, tested and tasty.

So ready... steady...bake!

1. Scones. I just had to try this recipe when I saw it on the “Aldi Mums” Facebook group. Ingredients are: 385g self-raising flour; 130g dates; 236ml cream and 230ml lemonade. Stir everything in a bowl, flatten into dough and cut out 15 circles.
   Brush with beaten egg and bake at 220C for 20 mins.
2. Flatbread. I have made flatbreads before but this version is from Jamie Oliver’s new TV show Keep Cooking And Carry On. You need: 350g natural yoghurt; 1 tsp baking powder, 350g plain flour and 40g unsalted butter. Stir, knead, roll and pan-fry. Great with a curry.
3. Peanut butter cookies. These easy cookies from feelgoodfoodie.net need just three ingredients. You require a cup each of peanut butter and sugar (though I used slightly less, and it worked fine) and one egg. Mix the ingredients in a bowl to form a dough, then separate into small balls on a lined baking tray. Bake for 12 minutes or until the edges golden.
4. Crisps. Show the kids how one of their favourite snacks is made. Wash and thinly slice a spud, lay the slices flat on a baking tray and in ten minutes’ time, top with salt. This works with potato peelings too.
5. Nut bars. I love Kind nut bars but they are £1.30 each at Tesco. So I love this recipe from beamingbaker.com. It uses one cup of roasted almonds, half a cup each of unsalted roasted peanuts and Rice Krispies and a quarter cup of maple syrup. Mix the nuts and cereal, then stir in the syrup. Pour into a lined baking tray and bake at 160C for 40 minutes. Leave to cool then cut into 12 bars.

• Prices correct at time of press. Deals and offers subject to availability.

Top swap

INSTEAD of getting the four-pack of bunny crumpets from Asda, for £1, buy Aldi’s for just 85p.

SAVE: 15p

Deal of the day

THE Beldray 12-in-one steam cleaner is reduced to £34.99 online at Robert Dyas, down from £39.99. It is perfect for cleaning and sanitising your floors.

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Cheap treat

THIS Harry Potter colouring book is £9 at theworks.co.uk. Was £10. Magic.

SAVE: £1

Giselle’s Little Helper

MUSIC-streaming service Deezer is now offering three months FREE to its premium service – which means NO adverts as well as unlimited music and podcasts. It normally costs £9.99 a month.

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Shop and save

PILGRIMS Choice extra mature cheddar is £2.50 for 350g at Tesco. Was £3.50.

SAVE: £1

Reader's saving tip

CAROL MOLSON, from Waltham Abbey, Essex, says: “If you have had to buy a larger bag of potatoes than usual, boil the extra ones, mash them and freeze them in portions to save waste.”

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