Mint Butter Biscuits

A week has gone since the referendum results were revealed. Over the last week, I've been reading lots, discussing with friends and family the different options. I must admit on Friday morning I was sad and confused. I was scared of speaking in Spanish in public spaces. I didn't want to talk to anybody. I was concerned about my children going to school. I got insulted in the street. I was told to stop sticking my nose in other country's business. I was asked to shut up. I was told I had no right to share my thoughts.

When 4 years ago we decided to move to the UK we did it full of hope, dreams. Thinking we were moving to an open, resilient country full of  opportunities for those who were willing to work hard towards them.

I can assure you that no one has the word "immigrant" in their "things to accomplish in life" list.

But when we make choices in life, we all have to decide how we face the consequences of our acts. Is it now going to be more difficult to live in a country where I was not born? Is it going to be harder to interact with my British friends, neighbors or colleagues in a language that is not my mother tongue? Am I going to struggle to feel part of a community with traditions that were not established by my ancestors? Will I feel more vulnerable when I take my sons to school? Am I going to live with fear?

No, absolutely no way. At least no more than it was before the referendum. Some things will go well, as well as other things will go wrong. Life will be difficult, as it always is. But overall, I'm sure, SURE, the effort will be worth it. I'll carry on working hard, being generous to others, supporting friends in anyway I possibly can (regardless of what they voted), feeling proud of my community, learning something new everyday.

I choose to face the fact that things will change. I choose realizing that some people would like me to leave. I consciously choose accepting the challenge. I choose, as I chose 4 years ago, to carry on trying to find my place in this mad world. To raise my children the best I can. To contribute to make this a better place for everyone.

Let me tell you something. I'm absolutely fed up of those that use the "fear factor" against the citizens. I'm fed up of those that try to separate us. I'm totally disgusted with those hate messages I'm seeing on social media. I cannot stand a single more lie.

What has all this to do with identity? Why some people seem to be confusing "cultural values" with nationalism and extremism? I came to England because I wanted to, but also because I was able to. I've worked very hard here, I pay my taxes and have set up a business with which I contribute to the local economy. I support my community and local charities. I proactively take part in social events. I own a house in British land, where I was planning to raise my children. Now all this is at risk. My whole life has been jeopardized by the referendum result. I no longer know what's going to happen with me, my job, my life, my family. And yes, I love this country, and as it happens with friends, I accept it as it is with its good and bad things. But I also feel betrayed. And I have the right to feel so and say it out loud if I want to. Because I may be an immigrant, right,  but I am a human being too. And even if in my passport it says I'm not British, just because I circumstantially was not born here, I do feel to have the right to say whatever I think. To not accept unfairness. And to make sure I'm respected and my opinion is acknowledged. Because I'm NOT a second class citizen. Because nobody is better than the others.

I don't know what my future holds, but I am sure about something: my principles, my human values, my personal identity will be the same regardless of what it says in my passport.

This week I've prepared something sweet and fresh. These mint butter biscuits are perfect to share with anyone, regardless of where they are originally from.


WHAT YOU NEED

250gr Plain Wholemeal Flour
125gr Unsalted Butter
100gr Sugar
50gr Fresh Mint Leaves
A few pieces of your favourite fruit
Some icing sugar to sprinkle

WHAT YOU DO

Preheat the oven to 180C.

In a deep bowl, mix the sugar with the melted butter. Chop the mint very fine and add to the mixture.

Then add the flour spoon by spoon until well combined. Wrap in cling film and refrigerate 1.5 hours.

Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface. Cut with a cookie cutter and place onto a baking tray.

Cut small pieces of your favourite fruit (I've used nectarine and strawberries) and put a piece on each biscuit. Sprinkle some icing sugar on top and bake for 15 mins or until pale golden-brown. Set aside to cool on a wire rack.