Margaret Prices Ginger Gems

Preheat oven 180oC.
Beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, beat well, and then add the golden syrup. Sift the flour, ground ginger, baking powder, salt and mixed spice and fold through the egg mix. Mix together the milk and baking soda, making sure the soda is dissolved. Add to the batter and sit for at least half an hour while you heat the gem iron in the oven.

Put a small knob of butter in each gem space and use a pastry brush to ensure that it is well greased. Put a large spoonful of mix into each gem and bake for 15 minutes or until evenly golden. Remove from the oven; sit for 5 minutes before removing.

Serve buttered or with lashings of whipped cream and your favourite jam. Makes 12