DIRECTIONS

Sift together the flour, baking powder, spice blend and salt in a medium bowl.

Add the chilled pieces of butter and shortening; use your fingers to incorporate into the flour mixture to form a coarse meal. Add the sugar and currants; mix well.

Make a well in the center of the mixture, then add the egg and the tablespoon of milk. Use your fingertips to combine the wet ingredients in the well, then gradually incorporate the dry ingredients, adding milk and flour as needed. The dough should be soft but not sticky and should pull away from the sides of the bowl cleanly.

Use nonstick cooking oil spray to lightly grease a griddle or cast-iron skillet. Place over medium heat.

Lightly flour a work surface; transfer the dough to the surface and roll out to a thickness of 1/4 inch. Use a 2-inch biscuit cutter to cut out rounds. The dough may be rerolled.

Working in batches, transfer the dough rounds to the heated griddle or skillet; cook for 3 minutes, until just slightly puffed and golden brown, then turn over and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until lightly browned on the second side.

Transfer to a platter and sprinkle with sugar; cover loosely to keep warm until ready to serve.

NOTE: Mixed spice is a prepared blend of seasonings readily available in the United Kingdom. You may substitute a pinch each of ground cinnamon, freshly grated nutmeg, ground allspice, ground cloves and ground ginger.

NUTRITION Per cake (based on 22): 106 calories, 2 g protein, 17 g carbohydrates, 3 g fat, 2 g saturated fat, 14 mg cholesterol, 17 mg sodium, 0 g dietary fiber, 8 g sugar