LIVING

FESTIVE BAKES

Cakes, cookies and moreish bites are wonderful treats to enjoy with family and friends over the holidays. Here, we share recipes for some beautifully crafted creations from Anja Dunk’s book, Advent: Festive German Bakes to Celebrate the Coming of Christmas

SPICED ALMOND BISCUITS (SPEKULATIUS)

Makes about 30 Preparation time 30-35 minutes Cooking time 10-12 minutes, plus cooling

“These biscuits are traditional Advent sweet treats in both the Netherlands, where they are eaten around 6 December (St Nicholas Day), and in Germany, where they are eaten throughout the run-up to Christmas. Usually, almond spekulatius have a flaked almond base, but I’ve switched things up and adorned mine with them on top.”

INGREDIENTS

• 150g/5oz plain flour, plus• 50g/2oz rye flour• ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda• 1½ tsp ground cinnamon• ¼ tsp ground cloves• ¼ tsp grated nutmeg• 120g/4¼oz caster sugar• A pinch of fine sea salt• 125g/4½oz unsalted butter, at room temperature• 1 egg