Mix the flour, xanthan gum if using and baking powder together then rub or cut in the butter until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs

Add the caster sugar and half of the milk to form a dryish dough

Stir in the mincemeat and add the booze and just enough of the remaining milk as required to make the dough soft and very slightly damp

Flour a work surface and pat the dough out until it's an inch thick

Use a 2.5 - 3cm round cookie cutter to stamp out the scones. Reform the dough to cut more. You should end up with around 12

Place on the baking tray and glaze with extra milk

Bake for 12 - 15 minutes until well risen

Let cool a bit before halving and spreading with apple butter or more mincemeat and dare I suggest, a thin slice of marzipan unless you avoid nuts! Dust with icing sugar for a more festive presentation