Easter Rocky Road

Spiced Currant Biscuits

1. Sift the flour and spices into a bowl. In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar with electric beaters until thick and pale, then add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Fold ii the flour mixture slowly, then stir in currants and lemon zest. Wrap in plastic and chill for at least 2 hours.
2. Line 2 baking trays with baking paper. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Roll out dough 4-5mm thick then cut with a round biscuit cutter and place on the trays. Repeat with remaining dough, re-rolling the trimmings.
3. Sprinkle biscuits with extra sugar. Bake for 10 minutes until firm to touch but still pale. Cool on trays for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.

Rocky Road

Grease and line the base and sides of a 20cm square baking tin.

Mix together raisins, cherries, marshmallows and pistachios.  Pour 1 cup of the mixture into the base of the prepared tin.

Combine chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl, microwave for 30 seconds, stir then microwave in 10 second bursts until melted.  Allow to cool for about 5 mins before adding the remaining fruit and nut mixture.  Toss to coat then pour into the prepared tin, gently flattening the surface.  Refrigerate until firm (about 2 hours).

Remove from tin and slice into 4 long rows.  Wrap in cellophane for Christmas gifting.

Sunbeam Decadent Fruit Mince

Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl till combined.

Place into sterilised jars and store in a cool dark dry place to macerate for as long as you can before using.

This fruit mix made ahead can be used for so many great Sunbeam Recipes!

Banana Date Pancakes

1. Combine flour, baking powder and sugar in a large mixing bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs and mashed banana. Add to flour mixture with dates and mix until smooth.
3. Pre-heat a frying pan over medium heat, lightly spray with olive oil or brush with butter. Spoon ¼ cup measures of batter into pan and cook for several minutes until bubbles appear and base is golden. Turn over a cook a further 1-2 minutes.
4. Serve pancakes with sliced bananas, blueberries and a drizzle of honey.

Asparagus with Proscuttio, Parmesan & Pine Nuts

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees C.

Place the asparagus in a single layer on a baking tray. Do not overcrowd. Drizzle with olive oil and lightly season with salt and pepper. Toss around to evenly coat.

Top the asparagus with prosciutto, Parmesan cheese, and pine nuts.

Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the prosciutto is crisp and asparagus tender.

Christmas Nougat

Preheat oven to 180°C.

Lightly brush a 15cm square cake pan with oil. Line the base with 1 sheet of rice paper.2Spread pistachios over baking tray. Bake for 4-5 minutes, until toasted.

Set aside to cool.3In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, honey, glucose and water, and stir over low heat for 5-7 minutes, until sugar dissolves. Increase heat to high and boil, without stirring, for 20 minutes, occasionally brushing down sides of pan with a pastry brush dipped in water.

Remove from heat.4Meanwhile, in a clean bowl, using an electric mixer, beat egg-white and rosewater together until stiff peaks form. With the motor running, pour hot sugar syrup into the egg-white mixture in a thin, steady stream.

Using a metal spoon, stir in pistachios and cranberries. Pour into prepared pan. Press firmly into the base.

Top with the remaining rice paper sheet. Set aside in a cool, dry place for 4 hours to set.

Turn nougat onto a chopping board and cut into 3cm squares to serve.