Pfeffernüsse
Pfeffernüsse are German spice biscuits combining the aromatic flavours of cinnamon, cloves and allspice. These biscuits can be stored for 6-8 weeks in sealed jars or tins.
Ingredients:
• Soft butter
• 1 lb. plain flour
• 1 scant tsp. baking powder
• 1 scant tsp. ground cloves
• ½ tsp. ground allspice
• ½ tsp. ground cinnamon
• 9 oz. honey
• ¾ lb golden syrup
• 6 oz. sugar
• 1 oz. butter
• ½ oz. lard
Method:
1) Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2) Coat two large baking sheets lightly with butter.
3) Put the flour, baking powder, cloves, allspice and cinnamon into a bowl and set aside.
4) Bring the honey, golden syrup, and sugar to the boil in a large, deep, heavy saucepan, over a moderate heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
5) Reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered for 5 minutes.
6) Remove the pan from the heat, add the butter and lard and stir until melted.
7) Beat in the flour mixture, about 4 oz. at a time.
8) When the batter is smooth, drop it by teaspoonfuls on to the baking sheets, leaving an inch or so between the biscuits.
9) Bake in the centre of the oven for about 15 minutes, until the biscuits are firm to the touch and light brown.
10) Transfer them to a cake rack to cool and proceed with the remaining batches, coating the baking sheets with a little butter each time.
(makes about 30 biscuits)
