Easter Biscuits

Directions

1. 1
   Pre-heat oven to 200C/ 400F/ Gas 6.
2. 2
   Cream the butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy, then beat in the egg yolk.
3. 3
   Sift in the flour and allspice and mix well.
4. 4
   Add the dried fruit and peel and enough brandy to make fairly soft dough.
5. 5
   Knead lightly on a lightly floured surface and roll out until about 1/4 inch thick; prick the top with a fork and cut into 2 1/2-inch rounds using a fluted cutter.
6. 6
   Put onto greased baking sheets and bake for 10 minutes.
7. 7
   Remove from the oven, brush with the lightly beaten egg white, sprinkle with caster sugar, and return to the oven to bake for about 5 minutes longer, until the tops are golden brown.
8. 8
   Transfer to wire racks to cool.
9. 9
   Store in a cookie tin or other airtight container at room temperature.