Get baking with Aled Jones and Mary’s Meals this Christmas

Singer and presenter Aled, who shot to fame at the age of 14 with his version of Christmas classic Walking In The Air, has donated his recipe for Gingerbread Snowpeople to the charity’s fundraising campaign, Raise Some Dough, in a nod to the song’s association with the animated film, The Snowman.

Aled says: “This Christmas, I’m hoping people will have fun baking my favourite biscuit recipe while helping to spread festive joy and hope to some of the world’s poorest children who depend on Mary’s Meals.

“Now has never been a better time to dig out your rolling pin and get baking to raise money for the charity’s Raise Some Dough campaign, especially when donations will go further this winter towards transforming the lives of hungry children by giving them hope of a better future.”

Donations made to Mary’s Meals until January 31 will be doubled by a generous group of supporters, up to £1.5 million, with the charity’s Double The Love campaign.

For Gingerbread Snowpeople you’ll need:

350g/12oz plain flour, plus extra for rolling out

1 tsp bicarbonate of soda

2 tsp ground ginger

1 tsp ground cinnamon

125g/4½oz butter

175g/6oz light soft brown sugar

1 free-range egg

4 tbsp golden syrup

Method:

Sift together the flour, bicarbonate of soda, ginger and cinnamon and pour into the bowl of a food processor. Add the butter and blend until the mix looks like breadcrumbs. Stir in the sugar.

Lightly beat the egg and golden syrup together, add to the food processor and pulse until the mixture clumps together. Tip the dough out, knead briefly until smooth, wrap in cling film and leave to chill in the fridge for 15 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 180° C/160°C Fan/Gas 4. Line two baking trays with greaseproof paper.

Roll the dough out to a 0.5cm thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut out the gingerbread people shapes and place on the baking tray. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until lightly golden-brown. When cooled decorate with icing and cake decorations.