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
Sticky Date Christmas Pudding with Salted Caramel Sauce
TO MAKE THE PUDDING
1.Β Combine dates, mixed fruit, 280ml water, sugars, salt and butter in large saucepan.Β Bring to the boil then reduce heat and allow to simmer for 8 mins.
2.Β Add bicarbonate of soda, stir well and allow to cool completely (preferably overnight).
3.Β Once completely cool, add eggs, flours, spices and rum.Β Mix well.
4.Β Generously grease inside the pudding bowl.Β Pour the mixture into tin then cover with a layer of baking paper and a layer of foil and secure tightly with kitchen string.
5.Β Place a small cooling rack or an upturned oven-safe dish into the base of a large saucepan.Β Place pudding bowl on top so that it is not directly touching the bottom of the pan.Β Fill saucepan with boiling water to come half way up the sides of the pudding bowl. Bring water to the boil then reduce heat to low, cover and allow to simmer for 3 hours.Β Remove pudding from water, allow to cool completely before removing pudding from tin.
TO MAKE SAUCE
1.Β Combine cream, butter and sugar in a saucepan. Stir over a low heat until all ingredients combined.
2.Β Stir in salt.
Sweet Treats
Preheat the oven to 170Β°C. Line a large baking tray with baking paper.
- Combine oats, sugar, coconut, cinnamon, almonds, walnuts, oil and honey in a bowl. Mix with hands compacting together. Bake in the oven for 5 minutes and then stir and return for another 5 minutes.
- Stir in currants and sultanas and bake for a further 5-8 minutes to ensure the granola is evenly golden brown.
- Allow to cool completely before serving with milk or a good dollop of yoghurt.
Christmas Slice
Preheat oven 150Β°C (fan-forced).
- Line a loaf tin (20cm x 10cm) with baking paper.
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir until well combined.
- Spoon mixture into prepared tin and bake for 40mins. Allow to cool. Dust with icing sugar and slice thinly.
Fruit & Nut Slice
- Preheat oven 150Β°C (fan-forced).
- Line a loaf tin (20cm x 10cm) with
baking paper. - Combine all ingredients in a bowl and
stir until well combined. - Spoon mixture into prepared tin and
bake for 40mins. Allow to cool. Dust with icing sugar and slice thinly.
Crispy Chocolate Slice
- Combine rice puffs, coconut, cacao, raisins and seeds in a large mixing bowl.
- Place coconut oil, honey and vanilla in a small saucepan and gently heat until melted. Pour onto the dry ingredients and mix well. Press into a 20 x 20cm slice pan. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into pieces.
Notes:
If youβd like crispier rice puffs, place them in a slow oven for 10 minutes to crisp up slightly. If you donβt have rice puffs, replace with rice bubbles.
Chocolate Bark
Line a 25cm x 35cm with baking paper. Place chocolate into a medium heat proof bowl; stir over a medium saucepan of simmering water until smooth (donβt let water touch base of bowl). Stir in puffed rice and coconut.
Working quickly, spread chocolate mixture onto tray as thinly as possible; sprinkle with dried fruits, nuts, remaining coconut & rice puffs.
Refrigerate until set. Break bark into pieces to serve.
