Vegan Christmas Cookies

I was asked to supply morning tea For a Christmas breakup with no guidance as to dietary guidelines. Always a challenge but I  thought it best to have a gluten free and vegan option. I recall from previous events how pleased people feel when they find that you have gone to the trouble of baking something that acknowledges their dietary requiremts. These cookies are easy to make and have the spice and fruit that is associated with Christmas treats. Aqua faba is the liquid that you get from draining cans of  chickpeas, I use lots of chickpeas and freeze the liquid to use for baking. Adjust the liquid or flour to suit your taste, I prefer a harder cookie but a softer mixture will make a softer cookies. The spices and fruit can be substituted, for example, date and walnut.

The cookies keep well and make a nice gift.

Vegan Christmas Cookies

4 tablespoons  aqua faba* 1/2 cup brown sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon almond essence, optional 1/4 cup almond meal 3/4 cup flour** 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon mixed spice 1/4 cup melted plant based spread

1/3 cup natural almonds, chopped 1/2 cup cranberries Optional 12 natural almonds to decorate Sifted icing sugar to serve

*aqua faba is the water drained from a can of chick peas.

**Replace flour with scant 2/3 cup gluten free flour.

Whip aqua faba until frothy, add brown sugar and beat until thick.

Stir in remaining ingredients and mix well. If the mixture seems a little dry add some extra aqua faba or water or if too liquid add a little more almond meal or flour.

Place heaped teaspoons of the mixture onto a lightly oiled tray or tray lined with baking paper.

Optional - Place an almond in the centre of each cookie.

Bake at 160 deg C until lightly golden

Cool on the tray for a few minutes and then transfer to a cooling rack.

Serve with a dust of sifted icing sugar.

Store cookies in an airtight container.