Iced Ginger Stars

Prep Time: 0:15

Cook Time: 0:15

Makes: 20

Ingredients / Shopping List

60g plain flour

30g block margarine

30g soft brown sugar

30g golden syrup

½ level tsp ground ginger

150g icing sugar

Silver or coloured baubles

Prep to Cook: Prepare the oven: Gas Mark 3 or electric 170ºC

Mixing bowl, wooden spoon, rolling pin, cutters (or food processor)

Prep: 1. Prep the biscuit dough

Sieve the flour and the ginger spice

Add the sugar and the syrup and mix with your hands

When the dough is formed roll it out

Use a cutter dipped in flour

Cut the stars and place on non-stick cooking paper on a flat baking tray

Cook gently until the shapes take on a ting of golden colour about 15 mins

They may be soft when ready but will firm up on cooling

Leave to cool on cooking tray

Remove when cold

2. Prep the icing

Mix 150g icing sugar with 2 tsp boiled water

Stir well to get a smooth icing

Using a round bladed knife spread the icing over the stars

Use your clean finger to tidy the edges if necessary

Place a sliver ball in the centre

Leave out to allow the icing to set (put out a ‘Hands off’ sign too)

Check it out!

Iced ginger stars are dainty and crisp biscuits that are a special addition to seasonal celebrations. They accompany the strong flavours of mulled wine with ease. They also make great presents.

If you add a ½ a teaspoon of bi-carbonate of soda to the flour the tops of the biscuits will ‘crackle’ and you might not wish to ice them. Sift with icing sugar instead.

Recipe Science

Cooks Know How: You will see how the fat helps to combine the sugar, spice and flour and enables it to be ‘shortened’ and become crisp. You will notice that because you are using ground ginger the kitchen will smell amazing. The ground ginger also gives the biscuits a real zing. You will enjoy the preparation of glace icing and coating each of the little biscuits. Fiddly but fun.