The past month I’ve been going back to the future (or more like back to the 80s) for the party everyone in Paris is talking about (ok, slight exaggeration but there is certainly a buzz). I’m organising an 80s fancy dress party (think big shoulder pads, lace skirts and gloves…) with two other friends.

I’ve been put in charge of music. So for everyone coming tomorrow night, it’s my prerogative to put the records on
My black lacy 80s number with matching gloves is ready to go. Just need to put the frizzy hair in some scrunchies and I’m ready to dance at club tropicana.

Anyway, how could I organise a party and not make something for it? Now I can’t really remember 80s food (any reminders please let me know) but I do remember nobody cared about E numbers or food colourings. So why not make some real bright, in your face, iced biscuits? Unfortunately the French aren’t into food colouring and sprinkles like the English or Americans, so I was a bit limited in the decoration area. But if you do make them, the more over the top the better. Subtle is not the idea here.

Back to the 80s biscuits
Recipe adapted from Nigella Lawson’s butter cut biscuit’s recipe.

175g soft unsalted butter
200g caster sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
400g plain flour (+ extra for dusting)
1 tsp of baking powder

For the decoration
300g icing sugar, sieved
Food colouring (the brighter the better)
1 tsp of vanilla essence
Couple of tbsp of nearly boiling water
Coloured sugar, sprinkles… anything loud and trashy
8 and 0 cookie cutters

Cream the butter and sugar together until pale, beat in the eggs and vanilla. In another bowl combine the flour with the baking powder. Mix together the two. If the dough is too sticky and a bit more flour. Halve into two balls , flatten and wrap up in cling film. Chill for at least 30 mins (you can leave it in the fridge for a couple of days).

Preheat oven to 180°c. Dust surface with flour and roll out dough to about 5mm thickness. Cut numbers out and place on a baking sheet. Bake for about 8-12 minutes or until golden brown around the edges. When cool decorate with the most OVER TOP icing (mix together icing sugar, vanilla essence and water until you have a thick paste) and sprinkles you can find.