Usually homework in my house consists of torturous reader folders and assignments on people I have to google to remind my old, tired self of who there are. Although this year, my daughter, who is in year 3, has starting bringing home some tasks that have had me fist pumping high in the air.

Tasks such as, help set the table, make your bed, go outside and play for 10 minutes, help mum/dad bake something in the kitchen etc. Thoughtful things that may actually help our children with the burn out associated with too much school work. Not to mention the stress associated with running out of wine at home reader time! #justsaythebloodywordalready #serenitynow

My daughter Lola loves to bake. We have recipe books with more post it notes than pages, to ear mark things we want to try. This following recipe is a simple and much loved staple in our house, chosen by my 8 year old. We have made this on countless occasions and it even starred in our Easter gift biscuit bags. Who doesn’t love a good shortbread butter biscuit? Uncomplicated, delicious and moreish. Everything you need a biscuit to be.

Ingredients:
100g caster sugar or sugar alternative
225g plain sifted flour
150g unsalted butter, softened and diced
1 egg yolk
1 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees.
Place the flour, sugar and butter in a large bowl and rub together until the ingredients resemble bread crumbs.

Add the egg and vanilla essence and bring the mixture into a dough. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead lightly until smooth.
Flour the work surface and dough well and roll it out to a thickness of about 5mm.
With a pastry cutter, cut out shortbread biscuits and bake for 10-15 mins until golden brown at the edges.

Place shortbread biscuits on a wire rack and allow to cool down.

To decorate, melt some chocolate and roughly spread on. Add some sprinkles and enjoy!