I've been looking out for a particular biscuit recipe for a long time. When I worked in London my office had a canteen on the top floor, with a fantastic view out over the city. It was run by a guy who was probably overqualified for being a cafeteria cook, he'd been a retaurant chef, but he had a family and wanted to work more regular hours, so took on managing the place. And he was so good. He made really great hot lunches, and started cooking tray cakes and biscuits for morning and afternoon tea. My favourites were a chewy oat biscuit, that tasted a bit like an Anzac biscuit with sultanas, but had a totally different texture - perfect with a cup of tea on a cold day. I meant to ask him for the recipe before I left to go and live in Japan, but I forgot and ever since I've been wanting to make something similar.
So when Kim posted about a chewy oat and raisin biscuit I immediately filed it away for baking. It's only taken four months. I resisted because it involves getting several bowls, a saucepan and a frying pan dirty, and I'm lazy like that. But they are truly fantastic, well worth the washing up - this is going to become a regular recipe. I made mine without nuts (so they could go in school lunch boxes) and added a mixture of sultanas, cranberries and diced dried apricot. So good.
Also on the to-bake list is the Spiced Biscuits from the Ottolenghi Jerusalem cookbook. I hosted a baby shower for a dear friend on Saturday, and one of the guests brought a plate of these. I didn't try one until we were cleaning up afterwards, they look quite modest sitting on the plate but oh my goodness, they taste amazing. Perfect for Christmas, with the spices and chocolate and brandy, but delicious any time.
