These fruity biscuits were traditionally baked and eaten around Easter. The citrus of the mixed peel is said to represent the suffering of Christ on the cross. The addition of mixed spice is favoured in the West Country.
Makes 32 with a 7.5cm chick cutter
100g butter
75g caster sugar
1 egg, separated
200g plain flour
50g currants
25g mixed peel
Topping:
Egg white (from above), lightly whisked with a fork
Caster sugar
Method
Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, beat in the egg yolk. Stir in the flour, currants and peel, mix to form a dough. If the mixture is a little dry add some of the egg white. Roll out the dough and cut into the chick shapes, re-roll and repeat with the trimmings. Place onto a baking sheet or the cold plain shelf for 3, 4 and 5 oven owners.
3, 4 and 5 oven AGA: Slide the cold plain shelf onto the lowest set of runners in the Baking Oven. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven, brush with the egg white and sprinkle with caster sugar. Return to the oven for about 5 minutes.
2 oven AGA: Place the baking sheet onto the grid shelf placed on the floor of the Roasting Oven with the cold plain shelf slid onto the second runners down. Bake for 8-10 minutes, then remove from the oven, brush with the egg white and sprinkle with caster sugar. Return to the oven for about 3-5 minutes.
Cool and eat with a cup of tea!
Rayburn cooking: Bake at 180ºC (350ºF), Gas Mark 4 for 10 minutes then remove from the oven, brush with the egg white and sprinkle with caster sugar. Return to the oven for about 5 minutes.
Conventional cooking: Bake at 180ºC (350ºF), fan oven at 160ºC, Gas Mark 4 for 10 minutes then remove from the oven, brush with the egg white and sprinkle with caster sugar. Return to the oven for about 5 minutes.
Dawn Roads
AGA Demonstrator
