RUPERT’S ODD PARTY

She rounds on Rupert. “What’s your game?” “Here, steady on! I’m not to blame!” This recipe is easy to make and keeps very well in an airtight tin or tightly wrapped in foil. It can also make a great gift when placed in a decorative box or basket. Serves 6.

INGREDIENTS

100g caster sugar

Shortbread

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom

1/2

teaspoon ground ginger 3/4 teaspoon ground allspice

1/2

teaspoon salt 425g plain flour 225g butter, softened

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 180C/160C fan assisted, gas mark 4.

In a medium bowl, stir together the sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, allspice and salt. Divide into two equal parts, and set one aside.

Add the flour and butter to the other half and stir until blended. It should be slightly grainy.

Press the dough evenly into a 20cm square tin. Cut into 2.5x5cm pieces using a knife, and prick with the tines of a fork.

Sprinkle the reserved sugar and spice liberally over the top then bake for 25 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until firm and golden at the edges. Do not brown.

Cool completely in the tin, and break into pieces along the lines to serve.

Cancer

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