Another recipe to practise for the Biscuit Bake-off, written by Alison Hilton

At the recent launch of the Biscuit Bake-off competition, Andrew Palmer’s wife, Davina, very kindly presented MERL staff with a signed copy of her book ‘Kitchen Diplomacy: 30 years of Foreign Service Cooking’. I was amazed to discover, on reading the introduction, that Davina seems to have lived her whole life in diplomatic circles, during his career Andrew has been Ambassador in Cuba and Rome, and during their marriage they have lived in 8 different countries including Bolivia, Canada and France! Davina’s book, then, is a fascinating insight into Embassy life – and of course, food!

Andrew & Davina Palmer decorating biscuits at the Bake-of launch

I was pleased to find that amongst some very special, classic and exotic recipes, there were also recipes for brownies, chocolate biscuit cake, and the humble chocolate chip cookies, which is the one I’ve decided to share today!

Chocolate Chip Cookies

(makes about 30)

75g unslated butter
75g caster sugar
50g soft light brown sugar
1 egg, beaten
175g self-raising flour
A pinch of salt
50g plain chocolate, chopped (or chocolate chips)

Heat oven to 190C/375F, Gas 5

Put butter in a food processor with both sugars.Process, add the beaten egg, sifted flour and salt and process again. Turn into a bowl and add the chocolate.

Drop little mounds of the mixture on to oiled baking sheets and bake for 12-15 mins until light golden.

A perfect recipe for trying with children and entering into our Biscuit Bake-off at the MERL Village Fete on May 31st.

Click here for previous recipes, and look out for a very special recipe next week!