Heart and Soul: The Great Online Cookie Exchange

Thursday, 6 December 2012

The Great Online Cookie Exchange

This is my second on line cookie exchange that I've participated in. Organised by JZ. Thanks JZ.

Spiced Almond Biscuits.

Lets get started....

First you'll need an apron, then put the kettle and make some tea while you gather the ingredients.

300g plain flour

200g ground almonds

1 fast action dried yeast

25g butter, diced

2tbsp freshly grated lemon zest

2tbsp finely grated orange zest

150ml sweet white wine

3 eggs, one for brushing

150g mixed candied peel, finely chopped

150g whole almonds

1 tsp ground cinnamon

pinch of grated nutmeg

icing sugar, for dusting.

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/gas 4.

2. Mix the flour, ground almonds and yeast together in a large bowl (now don't get the flour over you)

3. Add the butter and rub it in with your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.

4 Beat the eggs

add to the mixture with the lemon, orange zest, wine, candied peel, almonds, cinnamon and nutmeg. Mix well, preferably with your hands, to form a soft dough.

5. Form into golf ball shapes about 12.5-15cm long. Shape each one into a ring, overlapping the ends slightly and pressing them together to seal, so that they resemble small bagels (or any shape you choose)

6. Place on baking sheets lined with greaseproof paper and brush with beaten egg.

7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.

8. Dust with icing sugar and serve.

Now remember to clean up properly after you've finished baking or you'll end up like this lady.