Spicy Rum and Chocolate Chip Rock Buns

This recipe was adapted from a standard rock bun recipe by trial and error to allow the inclusion of rum, one of my favourite cooking ingredients. Cooking time may not be exact, so check regularly.

400g / 14 oz flour
175g / 6 oz butter
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground mixed spice
1 tsp baking powder
115g / 4 oz dark soft brown sugar
115g / 4 oz chocolate chips
1 egg
90ml / 3 fl oz milk
150ml / 5 fl oz rum

Preheat the oven to as Mark 6 / 200 degrees C / 400 degrees F. Sift the flour, baking powder and spices into a bowl. Rub the butter and the flour mixture together until like crumbs. Stir in the sugar and chocolate chips. Beat the egg, milk and rum together, then stir into the dry mixture to make a sticky doughy mixture. Make about 12 rocky heaps on one or two baking sheets and bake for 15 minutes or until medium brown and firm-looking.