Magic Moments making biscuits

Making biscuits must surely be one of the nicest activities to do with small children.
You're introducing them to magic, chemistry, the pleasure of offering something made by them, the chance to chat, to learn the joy of togetherness, the sensual pleasure of touching ingredients, licking fingers, rolling things out, cutting shapes, watching simple ingredients transform into something wonderful, made with love and given with love.
Sounds an awful lot to expect from a biscuit, but there we are, it's true. So if you have small children don't bother with shop bought biscuits, make them, you'll all enjoy them
just don't eat too many.

Here is a great recipe for biscuits

225g self-raising flour
pinch of salt
150g Butter, cut into cubes
100g caster sugar
1 teaspoon lemon peel ( optional)
1 egg beaten

Sift the flour into a large bowl, add the butter and rub together until the mixture looks like breadcrumbs.
The children might need a bit of help to begin with, tell them to keep it light, enjoy the feel of the flour and butter sifting through their finger.

Add the sugar and lemon rind if using and add just enough of the beaten egg to form a ball.
Turn out onto a floured surface and knead gently until you have a smooth ball of dough.
Roll out the dough and cut shapes.
Decorate with cherries and nuts as desired.

Place on buttered and lined baking tray and prick the biscuits with a fork.

Bake in the oven at 180 for 12 - 15 minutes until golden .

Leave to cool for a few minutes then place them on a wire rack.

Store in an airtight tin.

Makes about 30 small biscuits.

Home grown lemons add to the joy