These biscuits are full of spices and ginger and are perfect for the festive period. They are a kind of gingerbread and not dissimilar to a ginger nut (except with a softer texture). These were traditionally sold at Cornish Country Fairs (hence the name) the company Furniss in Truro has been producing Cornish Fairings since 1886.
4oz plain flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp mixed spice
zest and rind of one lemon
2oz brown sugar
2oz butter
2 tablespoons of syrup
Preheat the oven to 180c and line a baking tray with greaseproof paper.
Mix the flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, the spices and lemon in a large bowl. Rub in the butter until it looks like breadcrumbs then add the sugar.
Next add the warmed syrup and mix together (this is easier if you use your hands) until it is a smooth paste. Roll into balls (about the size of a walnut) and place on the baking sheet.
Cook for 15 minutes at 180c then cook for a further 5 mins at 150c so that the biscuits begin to crack. Then transfer onto a wire rack to cool.
