This is my Aunty Alida. She’s from Holland originally, where she survived the Nazi occupation. At 89, she’s still going strong, and as you can see she’s also incredibly stylish. I adore her.

One of the loveliest Dutch traditions she’s passed on to her family is Christmas Cookie Day, a day for all generations to gather and bake. So if you fancy starting this too, here’s a recipe for Christmas shortbread stars. The good thing about this recipe is that it’s really easy for little hands to get involved with too – it really doesn’t matter if the cookies don’t look perfect. If you want to hang them on your tree, though, make sure you put a hole in the top before baking.

Ingredients
4 1/2 oz (125g) fine semolina (this might seem weird but it’s what gives you the crunch)
3 oz (75g) butter
1 1/2oz (40g) golden caster sugar
3oz (75g) plain flour

Method
Preheat oven to gas 4 180F (160C fan). Cream the butter and sugar together with a wooden spoon until light and fluffy. Add the semolina and flour, mixing together with the spoon and then your finger tips until you have a smooth dough. Roll out the dough. Using a star-shaped cutter, cut out stars and place on a lightly greased baking tray. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until just golden. When completely cool, use glace icing, silver balls, edible glitter, whatever you fancy to decorate.