John Whaite’s recipe for scruffy scones with cherry, anise and sherry jam

John Whaite’s scruffy scones with cherry, anise and sherry jam. Photograph: Issy Croker/The Guardian. Food styling: Esther Clark. Prop styling: Louie Waller. Food styling assistant: Clare Cole

I don’t think there’s a bake more contentious than the scone, but in order to save my reputation, I shall refrain from wading into the murky territory of the jam-or-cream-first debate. I know my preference and shall sit quietly (and smugly) on it. The only truth I’m unwilling to neglect is that a good scone needs (no, deserves!) a good jam. This one is ace.

Orange scruffy scones