Spiced Currant Biscuits
Preparation 10 Minutes
Cook 20 Minutes
Serves 15
Method
- 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.
- Line 2 baking trays with baking paper. Preheat the oven to 180Β°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.
- 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.
Ingredients
3 cups plain flour
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
225g salted butter, at room temperature
1 cup caster sugar, plus 2 tbsp extra to sprinkle
2 eggs
3/4 cup Sunbeam currants
Finely grated zest of 1 lemon
Recipe Collection
Christmas Lava Puddings
Preheat oven to 150ΒΊC (140ΒΊC fan). Lightly grease 8 holes of two Texas (jumbo) muffin tins.
- Combine all ingredients (except white chocolate) in a bowl. Mix well.
- Spoon half the mixture into the tins. Push two pieces of white chocolate into the centre of the mixture then divide the remaining mixture between each tin.
- Bake for 20-22 mins until cooked on the outside but soft and gooey on the inside.
- Serve immediately with vanilla ice cream and fresh raspberries, if using.If not serving immediately, refrigerate and microwave for 60 seconds immediately before serving.
Hot Cross Bun Waffles
Cut Hot cross bun in half
Heat your waffle iron and place both halves on the waffle iron to toast
Scoop vanilla ice-cream and place between the toasted bun
Drizzle with chocolate sauce and serve.
Panforte
- Pre-heat oven to 180Β°C (160Β°C fan-forced). Line the base and sides of a 20cm round cake pan.
- Place sugar, honey and chocolate in a large saucepan and gently heat until chocolate is melted. Stir in the raisins, figs, cherries, cranberries and nuts. Mix well.
- Add flour, cocoa and spices to mixture and working quickly mix it together until all combined. You may need to wear a thick rubber glove. Press mixture into prepared pan and bake for 13-15 minutes. Set aside to cool before removing from pan to cool completely.
Chocolate Easter Nests
Pre-heat oven to 180Β°C (160Β°C). Place almonds on a baking tray and cook for 8 minutes or until golden. Set aside to cool.
Line a tray with baking paper which will fit into the refrigerator. Combine the almonds and sultanas in a bowl.
Place the different chocolates into 3 separate heat proof bowls. Place over a saucepan of gently simmering water and mix until melted. Add β of the almond mixture to each bowl of chocolate and mix well.
Place spoonfuls of mixture onto lined trays and shape into a nest, using the back of the spoon to make an indent in the centre. Refrigerate for approx. 1 hour until set. Decorate with small easter eggs.
Cherry Dark Choc Biscotti
Preheat oven to 180ΒΊC (160ΒΊC fan).Β Β Line a large oven tray with baking paper.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment, combine sugar and eggs.Β Β Whisk until pale and fluffy.Β Β Add both flours, nuts, sultanas and cherries and stir to combine.Β
Lightly dust a clean work surface with flour.Β Β Turn the dough out onto the surface, divide into two even portions then roll each into a 30cm long log.Β Β Transfer to prepared tray, flatten the tops slightly then bake for 30 mins.Β Β Remove tray from oven and allow logs to cool for 20 mins.Β Β Reduce oven temperature to 140ΒΊC.
Use a serrated knife to diagonally cut slices, about 5mm thick.Β Β Arrange slices back onto the lined oven tray and bake for a further 15 mins, turning the biscuits half way, until they are crisp and dry.Β Β Transfer biscuits to a wire baking rack to cool completely.
Place chocolate in a microwave safe bowl and melt according to packet instructions.Β Β Pour melted chocolate into a small cup and dip the ends of the biscotti into the melted chocolate, tapping off any excess.Β Β Sprinkle extra almonds over the chocolate to decorate.
Place dipped biscotti onto baking paper and stand at room temperature until the chocolate sets.
Apricot Balls
- Place apricots, sultanas and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil, then simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Place cooled fruit in a food processor and pulse until smooth. Add oats and coconut. Remove to a bowl and roll teaspoonsful into balls and then roll in sesame seeds to coat. Refrigerate until required.
Notes:
Balls can also be rolled in coconut, chopped pepitas or chopped nuts.
