It’s so quick and easy – this might just become a pantry staple.

At time of baking you could add other flavourings such as grated orange, lemon or lime rind – about 2 teaspoonfuls, or 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon..

You could add some chopped walnuts for extra crunch too, or press a few almond slivers or flakes gently into the surface of each biscuit before they go into the oven.

Anyway, as I said, here is the recipe:

Biscuit Mixture Gift Jar

In a one litre jar, neatly layer:

1¼ cups self raising flour
1 cup quick cooking oats
1 cup M&Ms or Smarties or similar
1 cup small choc dots
½ cup brown sugar, firmly packed
½ cup sugar
½ cup dried fruit (such as sultanas or dreid cranberries)
½ cup desiccated coconut
Extra choc dots (if they will fit)

Screw down the lid and attach a label, or a little envelope, with the following instructions:

At time of baking, transfer contents of this jar to a bowl, mix well, then add:

2 eggs, lightly whisked
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or essence)
125g butter, melted

Stir until thoroughly combined. Leave to stand 5 minutes.

Roll into balls (about 2 teaspoonful size), place on greased or baking paper-lined trays, allowing room for spreading.

Flatten each of them slightly.

Bake in a moderate oven for approximately 15 minutes until biscuits are golden brown. Repeat with remaining mixture.

Store cooled biscuits in an airtight container.

Makes approximately 2 dozen.