SNACKS & TREATS

FLOUR, SUGAR, SPICES: THE SIMPLEST THINGS CREATE THE BEST TREATS. FROM EASY SLICES AND COOKIES, TO BROWNIES AND MUFFINS WITH A TWIST, THERE’S PROMISE INSIDE EVERY PANTRY

GINGER CRUNCH SLICE

MAKES 16 PIECES

You probably already have most of the ingredients for this slice in your pantry!

2 cups (300g) plain flour
1 tsp baking powder
2 tsp ground ginger
190g unsalted butter, chopped, softened
½ cup (110g) caster sugar

GINGER ICING

75g unsalted butter, chopped
⅓ cup (115g) golden syrup
1½ cups (240g) pure icing sugar, sifted
1 tbs ground ginger

Preheat oven to 180°C. Grease a 22cm square baking pan and line the base and sides with baking paper.

Sift flour, baking powder and ginger into a large bowl and mix to combine. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar until thick and pale. Fold in the flour mixture until well combined. Press mixture firmly into the prepared pan and prick all over with a fork. Bake for 25-30 minutes until light golden.

Meanwhile, for the ginger icing, place the butter, golden syrup, icing sugar and ginger in a medium saucepan over low heat. Cook, stirring regularly, for 3 minutes or until butter has melted. Pour ginger icing over the cooked base while both are still hot, then set aside to cool completely. Once cool, set aside at room temperature for 1 hour or until set.

Using a hot knife, cut the slice into 16 squares to serve.

PFEFFERNÜSSE (GERMAN ICED SPICE COOKIES)

MAKES 16

Begin this recipe at least 4 hours ahead.

1 cup (150g) plain flour
¼ tsp bicarb soda
2 tsp mixed spice
2 tsp ground ginger
¼ tsp black pepper, finely ground
35g unsalted butter
1½ tbs thickened cream
¼ cup (60g) brown sugar
2 tbs runny honey
¼ cup (25g) almond meal
1 egg
1¼ cups (150g) pure icing sugar, sifted

Sift the flour, bicarb, mixed spice, ginger, pepper and ¼ tsp salt flakes into a bowl. Set aside.

Place the butter, cream, sugar and honey in a small saucepan over low