Sweet John Barleycorn!

 

Sweet John Barleycorn men, like gingerbread men but perfect to celebrate the first harvest with their fiery chilli hearts! These make a wonderful offering…and a yummy teatime snack! bb mandyxxx

 

Ingredients

 

100g caster sugar

375g plain flour

2 teaspoons bicarbonate of soda

1 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons ground ginger

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

225g unsalted butter, softened and cut into pieces

8 tablespoons honey + 1 tbsp for the heart.

Approximately 1tsp chilli flakes

 

Method

 

Sift together the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Then using your finger tips rub in the butter to the dry ingredients.

Add honey and stir until blended.

On a floured work surface, roll the mixture out until 3mm thick.

Cut into man shapes using a cutter. Make a small indent with your little finger where the heart should be and fill it with a drop of honey. Add a pinch of chilli flakes on top of each drop to create a fiery heart.

Place cut-outs on a baking tray and bake for 12-15 minutes in a preheated oven 180’c/gas 4.

Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes before placing on wire racks to cool