125g soft butter

1/2cup (100g) firmly packed brown sugar

1/2cup (125ml) treacle

1 egg yolk

2 1/2 cups (375g) plain flour

1 tablespoon ground ginger

1 teaspoon mixed spice

1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda

Icing sugar to dust

1. Beat butter and sugar in small bowl until light and fluffy. Stir in the treacle and egg yolk. Transfer mixture to large bowl, stir in sifted dry ingredients. Knead dough on lightly floured surface until smooth; cover with cling film and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

2. Roll dough between sheets of baking paper until 4mm think.

3. Cut shapes from dough using Christmas cutter. Cut a small hole in shapes for hanging, if desired.

4. Place shapes 3cm apart on greased oven trays. Bake in a moderate oven for 10 minutes or until lightly browned; cooking time depends on the size of the shapes. Transfer your shapes to wire racks to cool. Dust with icing sugar and use to decorate your tree or make edible ties for your Christmas presents. Enjoy with a pot of freshly brewed Happiness Tea.