1/2 cup applesauce
3/4 cup ground cinnamon
1tsp ground aniseed
1tsp ground nutmeg
Non-edible decorations. Makes roughly 15 assorted shapes.
Mix the applesauce and 1/2 cup of the cinnamon together thoroughly. Then add the rest of the cinnamon, plus the aniseed and nutmeg until a dough is formed. If necessary, extra cinnamon or applesauce can be added if it is too wet or too dry.
Sprinkle a board with ground cinnamon and roll out the dough on it to about 1cm thick.
Cut out shapes with cookie cutters and make holes in them so ribbon can be threaded through to hang them up. Any tiny leftovers can be rolled into rounds, flattened slightly, skewered and become beads.
Arrange all on a tray lined with grease-proof paper or a silicone baking mat. They can be placed quite close together, because as there is no rising agent in them they won't spread.
Oven efficiency can vary and they can become dark quite quickly, so keep an eye on them. I baked them at at 200 degrees for 45 minutes.
Allow to cool and harden overnight before decorating. Store in a cool, dry place and they will keep indefinitely.
© Alison Day
