Hi All

I was just knocking up a batch of gingerbread biscuits and, inspired by the thread about what people would like to see more of on the blog, I decided to try my hand at writing a recipe post!

I haven't submitted it because, well, my photos just aren't good enough. I'll have to get better at that!! But I thought there was no harm sharing it on the boards!

Children of all ages love helping in the kitchen. These gingerbread animals are quick and simple to make and are great fun to decorate together!!

You will need:

350g plain flour, plus extra for rolling out
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
2 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground cinnamon
125g butter room temperature to soften
175g light soft brown sugar
1 egg
4 tbsp golden syrup

Writing icing to decorate

1) Wash your hands.

2) Weigh out all the ingredients.

3) Sieve the flour, bicarbonate of soda, cinnamon and ginger into a bowl.

4) Cut the butter into cubes and add to the mixing bowl.

5) Using your fingertips, mix the dry ingredients and the butter together. Keep picking up clumps of butter and flour and rubbing it between your fingers until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.

6) Stir in the brown sugar

7) Whisk together the egg and the golden syrup. Add to the mixture and mix with a wooden spoon initially – then get your hands in there and work it into a dough.

8) When the dough is smooth (this should happen very quickly), wrap it in cling film and pop it in the fridge for 15 minutes.

9) Pre-heat the oven to 180c.

10) Line two baking trays with greaseproof paper.

11) Sprinkle flour lightly onto your work-surface and a rolling pin.

12) Roll the dough out until it is about ½ a centimetre thick and then use cutters to cut shapes out of the dough. The dough can be gathered up and re-rolled a few times so just have fun!

13) Place the shapes on the baking sheets about 2cm apart, to allow for some spread in the over.

14) Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

15) When the biscuits are done, take them out of the oven and leave then on a wire rack to cool.

16) When they are cooled, decorate!!

Have fun!