Step 1

Sift the flour, baking powder, spice (if using) together into a mixing bowl.

Step 2

Cut up the cold butter and lard and rub into the flour mix with fingers until it is crumbs.

Step 3

Stir in the sugar and currants, pour in the egg and mix to form a dough, use a little milk if the mixture is a little dry.

Step 4

Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.

Step 5

Use a 3 inch round pastry cutter to cut out rounds.

Step 6

Cook the cakes on a lightly greased cast iron pan/griddle or heavy frying pan until golden. (Heat should not be too high, as the cakes will cook on the outside too quickly and not in the middle.

Step 7

Once cooked sprinkle with super fine sugar, cinnamon sugar or split and eat with butter or jam.