Irish Soda Scones: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C) and place the oven rack in the center of the oven. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar (if using), baking soda, and salt. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add most of the buttermilk. Using one hand, a wooden spoon or spatula, mix (adding more buttermilk if necessary) until you have a soft and moist dough.

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and gently knead the dough into a 7 inch (18 cm) round. Cut this circle into 6 triangular sections. Place the scones on your prepared baking sheet and brush the tops with a little buttermilk or milk and then dust with a little flour. This gives the baked scones a floury brown crust.

Bake for about 18 to 20 minutes or until nicely browned and a toothpick inserted into the center of a scone comes out clean. Remove from oven and place on a wire rack. These scones are best served warm from the oven with a little butter and jam.

Makes 6 large scones.

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