Measure all ingredients and set aside. Line baking tins and preheat oven.

In a mixing bowl, cream butter first, add sugar and zest, cream till its light.

Combine the eggs, essence and buttermilk in a separate bowl. Add to the creamed mixture in 2 parts. Mix until its fully incorporated. (the mixture may appear curdled)

Add the flour in bits until its fully incorporated. Pour into containers and bake till done.