Cornish Fairings are a biscuit to celebrate St. Piran's Day, on March 5th. St. Piran is one of three patron saints of Cornwall, St. Petroc and St. Michael being the other two. Delicately spiced with a crunchy, chewy texture; these gingery biscuits were originally sold at seasonal fairs and given by men to their sweethearts or to children as a treat.
Cornish Fairings
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
225g (1 cup) unbleached all purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
3 teaspoons ground ginger
2 teaspoons ground mixed spice
1 teaspoon cinnamon
pinch of salt
120g (1/2 cup) butter
120g (1/2 cup) caster sugar
5 tablespoons golden syrup
Preheat oven to 350ºF / 180ºC / Gas Mark 4.
Grease two baking trays or line baking trays with baking parchment.
Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground ginger, mixed spice, cinnamon and salt into a large bowl and whisk together.
Rub the butter into the flour mixture with your fingertips until it resembles a fine breadcrumb like texture; then add the sugar and stir.
Add the golden syrup and mix together well. Ultimately bringing the dough all together by using your clean hands to make a smooth dough.
Divide the dough in half; take one half and shape into 12 small walnut sized pieces, roll them into balls and place on the greased or lined baking trays with space between each ball as they will spread into shape.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until they have spread, turned golden brown and the tops have crackled.
Leave the biscuits to cool on the baking trays for 5 minutes before removing, carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Repeat with the other half of the dough or you may freeze it and use it at a later date.
Biscuits will keep in a tin or air tight container for 3 to 4 days.