Reindeer biscuits

1. Put flour, ground almonds, sugar and salt in a food processor and process for 30 seconds. Add butter and process until mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add egg and lemon essence and process until mixture forms into a ball.

2. Knead dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth. Pat dough into a disc, put it into a plastic bag and refrigerate for 1 hour.

3. Preheat oven to 160°C. Line 2 oven trays with baking paper. Roll out dough between 2 sheets of baking paper until 5mm thick. Use a reindeer cutter to cut out shapes. Put shapes on prepared baking trays. Bake for 12 minutes or until cooked through. Leave on trays for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool.

4. Put royal icing in a small bowl and add enough lemon juice until the icing has the consistency of cream. Add a couple of drops of food colouring and stir to combine.

5. Put biscuits on a wire rack, spoon a couple of teaspoons of royal icing over each. Spread icing, using a toothpick at edges, until covered. Leave to set for 1 hour. Tie necks with ribbon, if desired.