RECIPE
Makes six large buns
Ingredients for Fat Rascals
250g self-raising flour, sifted
1tsp sweet mixed spices
75g caster sugar
100g unsalted butter, chilled and diced
125g mixed dried fruits to include peel
1 egg, beaten
150ml double cream, milk or creme fraiche
1tsp lemon juice
Ingredients for decoration
1 egg, beaten to egg wash
12 glace cherries
Blanched almonds
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 200c/gas mark 6
2. Sift the flour and mixed spices into a large mixing bowl and stir in the sugar
3. Rub in the butter with your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs
4. Stir in the dried fruits and add the egg, lemon juice, cream or choice
5. Using a wooden spoon combine to a firm dough, if it feels a little dry and won't come together add a little more cream
6. Divide the mixture into six equal portions (125g) and roll into a neat ball in your palms
7. Place onto a prepared baking tray and pat out slightly before egg washing
8. Press on two half cherries for eyes and blanched almonds for a smiley face
9. Bake for 20 minutes until golden brown and firm to touch
10. Cool briefly on cooling wire. Best eaten warm on the same day you make them
Baker Mike's Yorkshire Top Tips
* Open bags of flour must always be stored in an airtight container
* Always use cold diced butter to rub into the flour with your fingertips
* It is essential to sift flour in any recipes as it is tightly compacted in the bag for transporting
* In any baking it is vital to preheat the oven first
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