Devonshire splits

Put the flour, salt, sugar and yeast in a large bowl. Add the butter and milk. Mix with a round bladed knife to make a fairly soft dough, adding a dash more hot milk or water if the dough feels dry. Turn out onto a floured surface and knead for 10 minutes to make a smooth, elastic dough. (Alternatively knead for 5 minutes using a free-standing mixer fitted with a dough hook). Place in a lightly greased bowl, cover with cling film and leave in a warm place for about 1 hour or until the dough has doubled in size.

Grease a large baking sheet. Punch the dough to deflate it and turn out onto a floured surface. Divide into 12 pieces and shape each into a ball. Space well apart on the baking sheet. Cover loosely with greased cling film and leave for 20 minutes. Preheat the oven to 200°C, gas mark 6.

Bake the buns for 10 - 15 minutes until risen and pale golden. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

Make a deep diagonal slit through the top of each bun. Ease open with a knife and fill with the cream and jam. Serve dusted with icing sugar.