Empire Biscuits

A big favorite in our family! I suppose all kids like anything with icing and cherries on top! I also think that they look like a lot of work goes into making them, but that's not true, they are in fact very easy to make.
Empire Biscuits

This recipe makes about 12 biscuits

Shortbread biscuit
12oz plain flour
4oz caster sugar
pinch of salt
8oz butter

For the filling - raspberry jam

For the top - 6 tbsp icing sugar, few drops of water, lemon essence, 6 glace cherries

Mix together the flour, salt & sugar. rub the butter into the dry mix, to a breadcrumb consistency. Mold into a soft dough. Flour a board and roll out the dough to approx 1cm thick. Use a round cutter or glass to make 24 rounds. Place on a baking sheet on a baking tray and bake at 150c/gas mark 2 for around 45-50 mins.

When ready place on a cooling rack. Once the biscuits are cool coat one biscuit with jam and place the other on top to make a sandwich. Mix up the icing sugar with a few drops of lemon essence & a few drops of water to make a smooth but thick paste. Spoon the icing on to the top biscuit and cover evenly. Cut the glace cherries in half and place one half in the middle of each biscuit. Leave to set.