I’m starting with an old favourite, the Cornish Fairing biscuit. I’ve been living in Plymouth for quite a few years now, but I’m very much Cornish & proudly so.
This is a simple recipe and it’s easy to adapt for a vegan and/or gluten free requirement too. I’m a firm believer in making recipe adjustments so everybody can enjoy the same food together, as much as possible.
They’re a spicy little biscuit! The combination of spices gives a lovely complex warmth, but feel free to tone it down a little if you prefer.
I like to weigh out my biscuit dough for consistent results, but you can drop it onto your baking trays with a spoon if you prefer. The biscuits will be equally delicious! Bake it your way.
These make a lovely gift any time of year, just pop them in a clean jar with a label or a ribbon & they’ll be well received.
Cornish Fairings
Makes 20 ginger nut sized biscuits
Ingredients:
- 100g butter
- 100g caster sugar
- 2 tbsp golden syrup
- 175g self-raising flour
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground mixed spice
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda
Preheat the oven to 180°c/160°c Fan/Gas 4
Line 2 x baking trays with baking parchment
Method:
In a saucepan, heat the butter, sugar & syrup over a low heat, stirring occasionally until the butter has melted.
In a mixing bowl, sift the flour, ginger, mixed spice, cinnamon & bicarbonate of soda.
Carefully pour the warm mixture from the pan into the bowl & beat until combined.
Weigh the dough & divide into 20 pieces, roll each piece into a ball & place onto your baking trays leaving 2 – 3 cm between each one. Use a spoon to flatten each ball a little.
Alternatively, drop heaped teaspoonfuls onto your baking trays, leaving 2 – 3 cm between each one. Use a spoon to flatten the balls a little.
Bake for 10 – 15 minutes until golden brown, then remove from the oven & allow to cool & firm up for 10 minutes on the trays. Transfer to a wire rack. Enjoy!
Top tip – add a drizzle of melted chocolate to your cooled fairings if you like.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container.