The winter holidays is the perfect time to bake some traditional Soetkoekies (sweet biscuits). A delightful treat for the family and easy enough for children to try when they need entertainment on a rainy day.

Soetkoekies

4 cups cake flour

½ tsp salt

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp ground cloves

1 tsp ground ginger

1 ½ cups sugar

1 cup butter

4 tablespoons lard/fat

1 tsp bicarbonate of soda

2 tablespoons lukewarm water

1 egg, beaten

• Pre heat oven to 180°C
• Sift together the flour, salt and spices and add the sugar.
• Rub in the butter and fat using your fingertips.
• Dissolve the bicarbonate of soda in the water and add to the beaten egg.
• Mix all the ingredients together to make a dough, knead until thoroughly mixed.
• Leave to stand overnight, roll out onto a floured surface to 5mm thick and cut out rounds with a cookie cutter.
• Bake on a greased oven tray for 10 minutes until golden brown.