Since September 2024 I have been attending a Tuesday evening class at the Belfast Metropolitan College to attempt to become a better baker. I’ve always considered myself to be an average baker. Not intuitive. Impatient. Confused. And then, not even really enjoying what I have made. I’m just not a cake person. But bread, pastry and biscuits? Yes, that is me. And this one is a good one that I learned to make at this class with a few changes. Flakemeal shortbread are a classic Ulster ‘tray bake’ biscuit and in my opinion by far the superior shortbread.

There is something about the inclusion of coconut and oats that makes a crumb that flour alone cannot compete with. I don’t think I am a better baker, yet, but this little recipe makes me feel like a better baker. I have included gorse flowers in this recipe, but feel free to experiment with with other edible flowers – I have had success with campanula, dandelion and even daisies. Gorse is lovely though and compliments the coconut in the recipe so perfectly. They are a little faffy to gather so you can absolutely leave them out of this recipe all together and you still get an extremely easy treat to add to the side of a lemon and elderflower posset or nettle tea.