Guess Who's 5?

My cousin and buddy James is 5 today, and is having a bit of a bash on Saturday. His request was for " Lemon Men", which are lemon shortbread using a cookie cutter that I received for my birthday from Mrs D, a good friend who shares my love of all things baking. (She is actually much more talented than I am. She rocks at Profiteroles!!!)


While I was in Dublin last week, in my favourite kitchen shop, Kitchen Compliments on Chatham Street,(www.kitchencomplements.ie) I found a 5 cookie cutter (above) A perfect accompaniment to Lemon Men!

The recipe for the lemon shortbread is so simple. And is always a hit with everyone who tastes them. They are from Rachel Allens book, Favourite Food for Family.

Preheat your oven to 180C, and have a baking tray or a silicone baking mat ready.

175g Plain Flour, Sifted
50g Caster Sugar
100g Butter, softened and cut in cubes.
Zest of one lemon

Put the flour in a mixing bowl. Add the Zest of the lemon and mix about.
Add the softened butter and using your fingers, rub together until the mix resembles crumbs. Finally, add the sugar and bring the mix together. Do not use any liquid. The more you mix, the more it will come together.

Wrap the dough in cling wrap, and place in the fridge for about 15 mins. When cooled, place on a flat surface. Using a rolling pin, flatten to about a cm thick and using a cutter of your choice, cut your shapes. Place on bakng tray and into hot oven for between 7 -12 mins. You have to watch them carefully as they can turn very brown, and bitter, in the space of a minute!

Take out and allow to cool on a wire rack.

Serve with cups of tea, or strawberries and cream, or at birthday parties!

*As a variation, try to add some orange zest, chocolate chips or cacao nibs instead of lemon zest!

Happy Birthday James! Have a Super Party, and enjoy your Lemon Men!

Love, Orls
xxx