Recipezaar: Scottish,Holiday/Event recipes

Mussels Mariniere

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 17:06:29 -0500

Recipe from an old magazine article and is from the Cramond Inn, near Edinburgh, Scotland, an ancient inn built in 1670. -- posted by Celticevergreen

Black Velvet - Irish Guinness and Champagne Cocktail

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 23:57:07 -0500

Add some sparkle to your Guinness this St Patrick's Day with a splash of Champagne.........this is the perfect way to enjoy your Guinness with a touch of sophistication! This cocktail is also well known in England, Scotland and Wales, as well as Ireland of course! It's easy to make and slips down just like velvet, as the name suggests. Use a good quality sparkling wine if champagne is not available. -- posted by French Tart

Baked Herb Yorkshire Pudding from English Fields and Hedgerows

Tue, 04 Mar 2008 01:26:06 -0500

This is a delightful pudding, normally eaten at supper time, and it is suitable for vegetarians. It has its origins in Northallerton (North of England) and would have been made from wild herbs, gathered from the hedgerows and fields, and eaten with 'mushy' peas. I found this recipe in a small English regional cookery book - Yorkshire Recipes, and have made it regularly as an alternative to Yorkshire Pudding. Preparation time includes the standing time for the batter. -- posted by French Tart

Original Be-Ro Melting Moments-Afternoon Tea Biscuits or Cookies

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 18:42:55 -0500

These are great little "light as a feather" and meltingly crisp English style biscuits, or cookies. This recipe is the slightly adapted recipe from the Be-Ro Flour cookbook - they suggest lard, but I don't "do" lard! Melting Moments ALWAYS made an appearance on my grandmother and mum's afternoon tea table, and we also had them popped into our lunch boxes for school. The recipe is SO easy to rustle up and they stay crisp and fresh for up to 5 days in an airtight tin. You can roll them in coconut or oats, I prefer coconut - but I am sure they would be just as nice with oats, which is a suggested alternative. Children and "big children" love these, and they really are melting moments, great with a cuppa English tea! -- posted by French Tart

Mrs Miggin's Pie Shoppe - Old English Bacon and Egg Pie!

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 18:52:34 -0500

This is such an easy and simple recipe to make, and yet the result is full of flavour, tasty and a real British classic. You will find this pie on the menu in Britain for lunch, afternoon tea, supper, as a snack, for a picnic, in a lunch box and I am also suggesting this recipe would be great for Brunch as well! This is another slightly adapted classic recipe from my trusty Be-Ro Flour cookbook. This can be made ahead and freezes beautifully - defrost overnight, on a cooling rack so the pastry does not get soggy! Please note, this has no spices in it - although I have suggested optional dried herbs. It is a classic, simple British recipe, where good free range eggs and dry cure bacon are the leading lights, along with crisp, shortcrust pastry! Who is Mrs Miggins? She runs that famous Olde English Pie Shoppe in Black Adder - I love that programme! NB: I note that one reviewer had never seen an Egg and Bacon Pie in any cafe or restaurant since living in the UK! By menu, I was also including the family's "home" menu; where I come from in England, it is very poplular on ALL cafe and tea room menus...........I understand food is very regional, even in a small country like the UK, and although it may not feature much in Manchester, it is a common and exceedingly popular every-day meal in most parts of the rest of the country. Great for a mid-week meal for all the family, cheap and cheerful! -- posted by French Tart

Enid Blyton and the Famous Five's Lashings of Ginger Beer!

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 23:52:01 -0500

By far the most successful of all of Enid Blyton's books, were the twenty-one adventure stories of The Famous Five, who were Julian, Dick, George, Anne and Timmy the dog. The Famous Five characters usually meet up when their respective schools break up for holidays, as the boys go to different boarding schools to the girls. Holidays for the Five consist of either going off on a cycling tour, maybe camping or even visiting strange houses ( castles lighthouses etc etc ). But one thing is for sure, when the Five are about, there is usually an adventure just around the corner! The children's favourite drink was Ginger Beer. It is often quoted that the children drank lashings and lashings of ginger beer. We all know this was never quoted in any of the books but it still seems fitting however, hence my recipe name! Alongside the lashings of ginger beer, The Famous Five consumed vast amounts of sandwiches whilst on their exciting travels! A wonderful old-fashioned ginger beer recipe, worthy of any exciting adventure, discovery or literary picnic! -- posted by French Tart

Betty's of York Tea Room Fat Rascals - Fruit Buns/Scones

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 23:13:56 -0400

When I worked in York, I used to nip down to Betty's of York Tea Rooms in my lunch break and treat myself to one of these delicious buns! Actually, they are a cross between a bun and a scone, and Betty's Fat Rascals differ from some other recipes, as they have whole blanched almonds and glace cherries on top! The origin of the name is unknown, but they are thought to have been made since the mid 19th Century - under the name of Fat Rascals! They originate from Yorkshire and Durham, and are very popular in most bakeries in the North East of England. These tasty fruit and peel buns are wonderful with a cuppa, to take on a picnic or, to tuck into a lunch box for the hungry workers and children! The original recipe uses lard, probably where the word "Fat" comes from - but I am not a lover of lard, so I have specified butter. A poignant historical note: A few years after Bettys opened its doors in York war broke out, and Bettys in particular the basement Bettys Bar became a favourite haunt of thousands of airmen stationed around York. Bettys Mirror, on which many of them engraved their signatures with a diamond pen, remains on display today as a fitting tribute to their bravery, as obviously, some never came back. (NB: I note that a reviewer has said these are NOT Betty's Fat Rascals!! Well of course they aren't, as I don't have the "secret" recipe - but they are a very close match! There are dozens of Fat Rascals recipes throughout Yorkshire, this recipe is as close as you will get outside Betty's Tea Room! Enjoy them as a typical Yorkshire treat, as I still do in France!) -- posted by French Tart

Delia Smith's Traditional Scotch Eggs With Fresh Herbs

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 23:32:43 -0400

Scotch eggs are marvelous for travelers or picnickers! Take some spring onions to go with them and, if you've got plates, some chutney (see my recipe #379361 or recipe #145401 or recipe #118249). This recipe is taken from Delia Smith's Complete Cookery Course. -- posted by BecR

Homemade English Ale Mustard With Garlic

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 23:33:07 -0400

A delicious and traditional English style artisanal mustard made with good English ale and garlic; the type of mustard that is so expensive to buy in the supermarkets. Home-made mustard is easy to make and very satisfying, as you can add special ingredients to suit your taste. This mustard is wonderful served with all manner of pies, pasties and savoury pastries, as well as cold meats, steaks, roasts and sausages. It is a quick maturing mustard, and is ready to eat in two weeks. Makes an ideal gift, especially for men and BBQ fanatics! -- posted by French Tart

British Breakfast in Bed - Boiled Eggs and Marmite Soldiers

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 01:56:15 -0400

The quintessential British breakfast, and perfect for breakfast in bed - Boiled Eggs and Marmite Soldiers are a British culinary institution! The following instructions give you a perfect soft-boiled egg, suitable for "dipping" with your "soldiers"! You either love marmite or hate it, don't use it if you cannot find it locally or just don't like it!! You must still cut your toast into "soldiers" however!! -- posted by French Tart

Old English Posh Picnic Raised Chicken and Ham Pie

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 01:25:27 -0400

I will not pretend that this pie is easy or quick to make, however, if you want to impress your friends or family with a sensational "posh" English raised pie then this is the recipe for you! Tender chunks of chicken with pork sausage meat and ham are encased in crisp hot water crust pastry, liberally seasoned with spices and herbs; this pie makes a simply stunning centrepiece for any Glyndebourne style picnic event or for a special celebratory cold buffet, such as weddings, christenings or anniversaries. The pastry used in this pie recipe is hot water crust pastry, which is a direct descendant of "coffer" paste that was used to encase and protect meat whilst it cooked centuries ago the pies then being called coffyns! The pastry is shaped by hand whilst it is still warm, and is excellent for using with intricate pie moulds - the technique is known as "hand raised" and pies made this way are called "raised pies". The pastry is easy to make, but MUST be kept warm whilst you are using it - I keep mine warm over a pan of simmering water. This pastry is excellent for all types of traditional raised pies, such as Game pies, Pork pies and Veal and Ham pies. (Preparation time includes the one day needed for the pie to cool down and then for jellied stock to be added, and then allowing for the jellied stock to set.) -- posted by French Tart

Scottish Borders Rumbledethumps!

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 23:31:39 -0400

It's cold outside. You're feeling blue. You need rumbledethumps, it's so comforting! If you're feeling really down, top with a fried egg. Adapted from Good Cooking by Jill Dupleix. Enjoy! -- posted by Sharon123

Nana Hassard's Original Scalloped Potatoes

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 19:18:52 -0400

This is a recipe in my Fannie Farmer cookbook that I picked up at a yardsale for a BUCK! It's older than dirt, and is all taped together but the recipe's are AWSOME! This is also word for word what my Nana's recipe card is for Scalloped Potatoes. Want it Fat Free? Seach 'Zaar' for "Nana Hassard's Fat Free Scalloped Potatoes". I only do the Full Fat Version for the Holidays.... -- posted by BratGyrl

Cheddar Cheese and Chutney Toasted Doorstep Sandwich!

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 23:42:10 -0400

A real old fashioned British style "Doorstep" sandwich, jazzed up a wee bit by adding chutney with mayonnaise and then toasting it........just delicious! The only criteria for these toasted "sarnies" is that you use THICK slices of good quality white Farmhouse style bread; such as home-made or Artisanal crusty bread! And, a good quality Cheddar cheese - preferably mature with good mayonnaise and tangy chutney! Although I have given the method for grilling (broiling) these sarnies, they'll be fine if they're made in an electric sandwich or grilling machine, such as a George Foreman. There is no need to add the chutney separately then, just add it to the cheese and mayonnaise mixture. This is a recipe for one greedy person - please increase the quantities for more greedy people if necessary!! -- posted by French Tart

Nana Hassard's Scalloped Potatoes Fat Free Version

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:09:03 -0400

This is a recipe in my Fannie Farmer cookbook that I picked up at a yardsale for a BUCK! It's older than dirt, and is all taped together but the recipe's are AWSOME! This is also word for word what my Nana's recipe card is for Scalloped Potatoes. Want it in all it's Glory? Seach 'Zaar' for "Nana Hassard's Original Scalloped Potatoes". I only do the Full Fat Version for the Holidays.... -- posted by BratGyrl

Stovies

Sun, 30 Mar 2008 23:43:09 -0400

This is a recipe my mum taught me while I grew up in the north east of Scotland (Moray), it has never been written down before, so the quantities and times are more estimates on what I usually do. -- posted by Scots Lass

Love It or Hate It - Marmite and Cheese Straws With a Twist!

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 15:35:17 -0400

Another one of my daughter's recipes - she always makes these for us when she is home. Cheesy, crispy and flaky pastry straws with a lick of marmite - great for pre-dinner drinks, picnics, lunch boxes or snacks. The Marmite company has a very clever advert that announces that you either LOVE Marmite or HATE it! I love it, that's why it has been added to these delicious Cheese Straws........however, if you HATE it - I have suggested alternatives. My daughter only ever uses Marmite in her cheese straws - but then she is also a Marmite lover! Serve these in a tall glass for tasty appetiser nibbles - if you are using the other flavours, you can lable the glasses so Marmite haters can be pre-warned! Have fun! (For all my Aussie friends - PLEASE use Vegemite if you REALLY have to!!!) -- posted by French Tart

Traditional Scottish Recipes - Apple Butterscotch Pie

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 14:24:35 -0400

I found this on rampantscotland.com an interesting and informative web site, and tried this on my family last night. Very good and easy. Especially when using ready prepared pie crust and sliced, tinned or frozen apples. A thin layer of plum jam and a meringue topping make this pie different, and extra good. Prep time is determined by whether or not you use fresh or tinned/frozen apples. -- posted by bshemyshua

Traditional Scottish Recipes - Broken Biscuit Cake

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 14:26:24 -0400

Another recipe I found on rampantscotland.com which is resourceful, easy, rich and makes a huge amount. Hope you enjoy this. This is the description of this on their web site. In the old days, when biscuits were sold loose, grocers sold mixed, broken biscuits at a lower price. This recipe was a good way of using them up and as a cake which requires no cooking, it can be easily made by the kids as well as experienced cooks. (Cooking time is set up time) -- posted by bshemyshua

Traditional Devon Cream Tea Strawberry Jam - Strawberry Conserve

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 02:25:31 -0400

A fabulous recipe for a soft set strawberry jam, or rather a strawberry conserve, where most of the fruit remains whole and is suspended in a delicious strawberry flavoured jammy syrup! This conserve reminds me of the traditional Cream Teas you get in the West country of England - especially Devon and Cornwall; a pot of tea served with fluffy fresh scones, butter, thick cream and this strawberry conserve. (Preparation time includes the 2 days allowed for the fruit to stand in the sugar.) This type of jam recipe is also very French, they tend to have a softer set jam here in France - it is lovely to see WHOLE pieces of fruit on your toast or scones! I also use this for steamed puddings - absolutely divine! -- posted by French Tart

Heritage Bread and Butter Pickle - Pickled Cucumber and Onions

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 01:17:39 -0400

An easy and old fashioned pickle that takes its name from the fact that this pickle goes so well with simple bread and butter, or sandwiches. This pickle must be stored in a DARK place, or the cucumbers will lose their colour, and it is best eaten after 2 months. I always try to have a jar or two of this colourful and tangy pickle tucked away in my pantry - as it makes fabulous sandwiches for teatime or picnics, as well as being an ideal accompaniment for simple suppers and light toasted snacks. This recipe is ideal when cucumbers are cheap or you have a glut in your garden. If you don't have time to wait before eating this, I also have a "quick" recipe for this type of pickle posted on Zaar: Recipe #245742 . -- posted by French Tart

Cool As a Cucumber! Cheese, Cucumber and Chive Sandwich Spread

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 23:33:39 -0400

A must for cool people - or those who like cucumbers! This is a very versatile sandwich spread or dip, which is so easy to whip up at the last minute; it makes VERY elegant sandwiches and is a wonderful accompaniment for smoked salmon, prawns (shrimp) or tuna. I have also used it to spread on savoury scones and crackers. If you plan to make this a day before you need to use it, you might like to salt the cucumbers first - as they do release water into the spread. -- posted by French Tart

Bread and Butter Pudding French Toast Sandwiches

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 13:03:10 -0400

Yes really! This is a pan-fried version of bread and butter pudding, made in the method of a French toast sandwich! A wonderful recipe, which is just the ticket for a lazy weekend breakfast or brunch, OR as a mid-week quick and easy dessert. Although it is not necessary to stamp out the rounds of bread, it DOES look so much nicer - you can use the excess bread to make breadcrumbs for baking, I never seem to have enough! I have also made this recipe with sliced brioche, now that is TOTALLY delicious, especially when served as a dessert with jam, whipped cream or even custard! You can "lighten" this recipe very easily by using low fat cream, low fat spread and fat free milk, then spray the pan with low-fat cooking spray. -- posted by French Tart

The British Bulldog! Traditional Layered Beef Steak Suet Pudding

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 20:37:23 -0400

A traditional British steamed savoury pudding - fluffy dumping style suet pastry layered with tender and succulent braised beef steak - pure comfort food. Once you have prepared this, just let it steam quietly away in the background, whilst you get on with other things. Unmould this pudding at the table and serve it immediately with extra gravy, steamed seasonal greens and mounds of fluffy mashed potatoes. There is an urban myth in the UK, that men ask woman who can cook this delicious savoury pudding to marry them........be warned.......be careful! Preparation time includes the cooking of the beef steak before the pudding is made and steamed. (This recipe comes from my family's recipe collection - it was cooked regularly by my grandmother and my mum; the original recipe is written in pencil on a scrap of paper.........it was like finding real treasure!) -- posted by French Tart

Cheddar Gorgeous! Cheese and Onion Bread and Butter Pudding

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 23:35:41 -0400

I have always prefered savoury food to sweet food, and this is a recipe I made up for a savoury version of one of my favourite sweet puddings, Bread and Butter Pudding. This savoury dish is easy to rustle up and makes a tasty supper, breakfast, brunch or lunch dish. Do try to use mature farmhouse Cheddar cheese, a little goes a long way as the flavour is so pronounced. This can be made the night before you need it, for breakfast or brunch, and then baked next morning - a great make ahead meal! -- posted by French Tart

Scottish Baps - Soft Morning Bread Rolls

Wed, 07 May 2008 19:35:43 -0400

These classic Scottish bread rolls are so easy to make - with only one kneading required. They are soft with a distinctive floured finish and are excellent for all manner of fillings, but especially bacon or cheese and salad. These baps are quite wide without much height, and they must only be baked for a maximum of 10 minutes in order to maintain their soft texture. Preparation time includes the proving and kneading time. They are best eaten on the day that they are made - they are delicious toasted the next day however. -- posted by French Tart

Traditional Cottage Loaf - Old Fashioned Rustic English Bread

Fri, 16 May 2008 19:07:43 -0400

Just the shape of this traditional loaf of bread is reminiscent of ploughman's lunches and warm cottage kitchens! A delightfully shaped loaf of bread, which represents all that is rustic and rural in Britain, but especially England. This bread keeps well and makes lovely, if odd shaped sandwiches! Cut the loaf into wedges and serve with freshly churned butter and a hunk of mature Cheddar cheese, maybe with a pickled onion or two. Quintessential British bread at its best. This reminds me of baking days in my grandmothers old cottage, sitting in her warm and cosy kitchen; she would have baked this in her wood burning Aga stove, as I sometimes do in the winter when my Godin wood burning stove is working. I often leave the first batch of dough to prove and rise overnight - leave it in a cool but NOT cold place, and then continue shaping and proving it next morning. We used to call this wooden spoon bread when we were little, as you push a wooden spoon down through the two loaves to stick them together before baking! Preparation time includes the proving of the dough - but NOT the overnight method! -- posted by French Tart

Mackenzie's St Patty's Day Shake

Thu, 29 May 2008 01:18:09 -0400

a homemade concoction of items on hand that have become a tradition for St. Patrick's Day celebrations and special hot holiday drink. similar to Mickey D's Shamrock shakes but a lot more kick! -- posted by Chef IMACK606

Summer Fruits Terrine or Bodacious Berries in Wine Jelly!

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 18:08:24 -0400

This is one of my favourite recipes, when the soft fruit season arrives, I try to make this at least once......and it is STUNNING if served as the finale to a dinner party. This is an unashamed copy of a recipe by Delia Smith, with very few modifications of my own, as she gives such great ideas and suggestions on how to make this elegant and LOW fat dessert. The directions may seem long-winded, but they are really just useful tips on how to weight the terrine down overnight. Serve this in slices with a red berry coulis and crème fraîche or cream. Fruit juice can be used if this is being served to children or to anyone who does not drink alcohol - I suggest a red fruit juice. -- posted by French Tart

Traditional Scottish Butterscotch Candy

Sun, 07 Sep 2008 23:27:15 -0400

That sweet tooth for which Scots have a reputation means that there are many traditional confectionary recipes. But quite why a brittle candy made from butter and sugar should be named "Scotch" is lost in the mists of time. -- posted by English_Rose

Absolutely Sinful! Sticky Toffee Pudding With Pecan Toffee Sauce

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 21:39:14 -0400

This is as wicked as it sounds. A truly delectable combination of flavours and textures that are light and melt in the mouth. I would choose this as a Christmas or New Year dinner party dessert, as the puddings freeze well and are no trouble to re-heat. A modern British classic - sticky toffee pudding was thought to have originated from the Sharrow Bay Hotel in Ullswater in the Lake District of Northern England There is also a school of thought that John Tovey at Miller Howe in Windermere was the first to make this. Either way, the pudding is as iconic today as it was when it was first baked and devoured by the lucky diners of either one of those hotels! My recipe is based on the recipe that Delia Smith published in her Christmas cookbook, but I have made several changes that I feel work better for me, the main change is to increase the pecan toffee sauce quantities, as I have had grown people - mainly males - fighting over who gets the last dribble of this delectable sauce!! I hope you find the step-by-step photos useful when you make this for the first time. (This was featured in the September 2008 Cooking School Topic of the Month on Zaar - a wonderful event where lots of talented chefs on Zaar showed off their culinary skills through photographic tutorials!) Prep time includes the time needed for soaking the dates. -- posted by French Tart

Clootie Dumpling in the Microwave

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 22:22:04 -0400

A moist Scottish spiced fruit cake. takes only 8 minutes in the microwave instead of the way is use to be cooked, 3 hours steaming in a cloth. normaly served at christmas and new year -- posted by skottishdonkey

Hot Diggedy Dogs! Bonfire Bangers in Wraps (Hot Dogs/Sausages)

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 23:26:33 -0400

A deliciously different way of serving up Hot Dogs for Bonfire Night or Halloween! Choose your favourite bangers or dogs, mine are high meat content Lincolnshire sausages with herbs, then oven bake them for ease with sticky roasted mustard coated onions - all in one pan! Serve with lashings of tomato relish or tomato ketchup for a great comfort dish on the run! The great thing about this recipe is that it can also be kept warm in the oven, whilst the spooky activities are in action, or dad is still trying to light the DAMP fireworks in the garden!! If you are serving this to little ones who may not like the mustard, just leave it out and add a little tomato puree instead for a tomatoey onion taste. (Edited and adapted from a Good Food recipe, 2007) -- posted by French Tart

Twit Twooo, Hooting Halloween Owls - Halloween Cupcakes/Muffins

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 23:29:06 -0400

These are GREAT fun! Bake some chocolate fairy cakes, muffins or cupcakes, decorate them and then turn them into Hooting Halloween Owls! I made these last year for a children's Halloween party, and they all loved them. The recipe is based on our British fairy cake or angel cake recipe, where the top of the baked cake or muffin is cut off to create the "wings". I have stated some sweets (candy) that are British - please use your own local sweets to decorate the owls. This is a wonderful recipe idea that I have changed and adapted from Tana Ramsay, the wife of the famous Gordon Ramsay.....she has some great family recipes, of which this is one. (Preparation time includes the time to decorate and ice them after they have been baked.) My Recipe #328085 would also be great Halloween companions for these hooting owls! -- posted by French Tart

Spooky Spider Cupcakes/Muffins for a Howling Halloween!

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 15:28:38 -0400

I JUST love these little spider cakes, when I make them, their faces make me laugh - well, I am easily pleased! Furthermore, they are VERY tasty - they have a much better flavour than NORMAL spiders I find, their legs are a little too chewy! The cake mixture is a double chocolate cake mixture - with cocoa and chocolate pieces, topped off with a chocolate butter cream. The decorations are made using Liquorice Allsorts and liquorice strings/laces or Catherine wheels as we call them in Great Britain. They are easy to make and can be frozen before you decorate them. I made these for TOTM Cooking School September 2008 - I hope you find the step-by-step photos handy when you come to bake and decorate them. An idea we had for an adult Halloween party - turn the spiders upside down so they have their legs in the air, and scatter wine corks amongst them on a plate........only joking! :-) If you fancy some wise companions for these spooky spiders, try these: Recipe #326716. -- posted by French Tart

Harvest Festival - English Baked Stuffed Autumn Marrow/Zucchini

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 00:30:42 -0400

Harvest Home! A heart warming and traditional English recipe, which is a wonderful way to deal with those large marrows (zucchini) from the autumn garden! The marrow is stuffed with a savoury beef and onion mixture and is then baked in foil. This is an old family recipe, which always pleases and is regularly requested when these giant marrows are in season it is hearty and full of flavour and is wonderful when served with a hot tomato sauce, steamed fresh seasonal vegetables and piles of fluffy mashed potatoes. The preparation is a little time-consuming, but the stuffed marrow is then baked slowly in the oven, leaving you free to follow other pursuits. I have posted a full set of step-by-step photos with this recipe, it shows how easy it is to prepare and cook, as well as showing how delicious it looks when served piping hot at your dinner table! The title of this recipe was taken from memories of all the Harvest Festivals we had every year, that were held at school or the local parish church - marrows (LARGE zucchini) were always a BIG feature of the harvest display! -- posted by French Tart

Yorkshire Parkin - Sticky Oatmeal Gingerbread for Bonfire Night

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 16:39:04 -0400

A wonderful tradition from Northern England, in particular from the county of Yorkshire; this wonderful gingerbread is traditionally eaten on the 5th November which is Bonfire Night, also called Guy Fawkes night or Fireworks Night. There are many ways to make ginger parkin; this is my recipe for this deliciously, sticky and dark gingerbread with oats. This recipe is an egg free parkin, and I was always told that Parkin should NEVER contain eggs in it, whether that is true or not, I'm not sure! Try to plan ahead when you make this recipe, it is MUCH better when kept for 2 to 3 days before eating, as it become stickier and more intense in flavour. This keeps for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container and freezes well, if there is any left! I use jumbo porridge oats in my parkin, for a nice chewy texture - but any porridge oats or oatmeal will be suitable. Please note, if you make this with the suggested alternatives of corn syrup and molasses, it will not be quite the same flavour, but it should still be sticky! -- posted by French Tart

Clootie Dumpling (Spiced Fruit Dumpling)

Sun, 30 Nov 2008 03:14:12 -0500

Posted to the SCA_recipes LiveJournal community. -- posted by DrGaellon

Our Daily Bread in a Crock - Weekly Make and Bake Rustic Bread

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 17:41:50 -0500

Make up a large batch of rustic artisanal bread dough, store it and then bake a loaf each day you need fresh bread, amazing but true! This is a hodge podge of old fashioned English and French rustic bread recipes; the bread dough is made up ahead of time and stored (in the old days) in an earthenware crock or bowl, with a lid. You tear a piece of the dough off as and when you want to bake a loaf of bread. Easy! I use this style of bread dough regularly in the B and B, so I can always have fresh bread or bread rolls on hand for breakfast. You can add other types of flour to the basic white batch, as long as the ratio remains the same - you can mix rye or wholewheat flour with the white, or add herbs, onions, seeds, fruit and other flavourings. The dough can be used as soon as the initial proving has finished, but it will keep in a cool place or a fridge for a week or two - I do not recommend longer than 2 weeks however. The dough can be used for free form bread loaves, in bread tins, as rolls or other shapes. I have kept this technique and recipe to myself for a while, but I have decided to share it on Zaar now, mainly as my daughter keeps asking for the basic dough recipe! I notice that this type of long-term or long-life bread dough has made a revival in a new book called Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day; this recipe however, is a very old technique and method, dough was always made up for the week and then kept in the cold room or pantry for daily baking. My grandmother who lived in a 600 year old cottage in Northern England, used to have a stone slab in the Pantry where she kept her crock and dough, I remember sticking my finger in it!! This amount makes about 4 to 5 loaves of bread, depending on the weight and shape of the bread that you bake. -- posted by French Tart

Magical Christmas Fairy Cakes - Christmas Fairy Cupcakes

Sun, 14 Dec 2008 00:43:49 -0500

Some recipe classics never go out of fashion and fairy cakes top the list They are the stuff of childhood memories: just one nibble can transport you back in time and even today, no self-respecting children's birthday party would be without them. That said, why should the kids have all the fun? With just a little tweaking, fairy cakes can be turned into grown-up fare as well, perfect for a mid-morning coffee break, tea in the afternoon, packed lunch treats, OR for the Christmas tea table. The basic recipe is oh-so-simple so you can keep it plain or indulge yourself with extravagant toppings; for Christmas, I have used fondant icing snowflakes and edible sparkles/cake glitter. Some die-hard purists may omit the vanilla extract but I think fairy cakes are better with it added. Prep time includes the time it takes to decorate the fairy cakes. The edible cake sparkles and glitter is available from most good cake decorating or sugar craft shops. -- posted by French Tart

Rootin' Tootin' Roasted Roots - Roasted Root Vegetables in Paper

Sun, 11 Jan 2009 13:00:55 -0500

An easy to throw together recipe that I made to accompany several meals over the Festive period this year. The trick for these roasted roots is to cook them en papillote (in a paper parcel) for the first 30 minutes - almost oven steaming them, before opening up the paper and allowing them to brown and go crunchy and crispy around the edges! Sprinkle them with sea salt, cayenne pepper and freshly ground black pepper before serving them in the paper on a flat plate. You can also make smaller individual parcels for full dining impact!! Use whatever root vegetables you have to hand. The vegetables listed in this recipe are the ones that I used for the last few times of cooking this dish, but I can see possibilities of many more veggies, especially when they are in season. You can reduce the fat content in this recipe by adding just a teaspoon of olive oil and putting the vegetables in a zip-lock bag with the oil, then give it all a good shake, I went FULL fat throughout Christmas and the New Year period! However, I think now the diet is back on the agenda, I will roast these the low fat way! -- posted by French Tart

The Queen of Hearts - Valentine's Jam Tarts

Sun, 11 Jan 2009 21:41:53 -0500

Jam tarts are a quintessential British teatime treat - little crispy short crust pastry rounds filled with assorted fruit jams, such as strawberry, raspberry, apricot, blackcurrant and lemon curd. They were the first things my mum taught me to bake when I was little, and in turn, I taught my daughter how to make them when she was very small. Here I have suggested that as a Valentine's Day treat, you top the jam tarts with a little pastry heart........after all, the way to a loved one's heart is through their stomach! Jam Tarts normally do NOT have any pastry topping however, so for the rest of the year, just make them as posted with no pastry lid, or use other suitable shapes appropriate for a special event. I have posted homemade short crust pastry, it is so easy to make and is far superior to ready-made, although I DO use ready-made when I am short of time! Try to use good quality or homemade jams and jellies, the higher the fruit content, the less the jam or jelly will bubble out of the pastry case. These are essential for any English Tea Party, especially if Alice in Wonderland has been invited............along with the white rabbit! Have fun! -- posted by French Tart

Brown Sugar Shortbread

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 16:48:38 -0500

You probably already have all the ingredients, so give this one a try. This recipe comes from The South: The Beautiful Cookbook. I make it when I have last-minute guests coming over and want to serve something special. Its such a treat! -- posted by KissKiss

Victoria Sandwich - Classic English Sponge Cake for Tea Time

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 01:02:38 -0500

The Victoria Sandwich is the quintessential English cake, conjuring up images of old England and afternoon tea. It's always been a favourite in cake baking competitions and is even used by manufacturers to test new cookers.This is one of the recipes that I use when I make my Victoria Sandwich sponge cake - the other method is posted at the end of the recipe; the ingredients are the same but the weight ratio is slightly different. This method is the original and more traditional way of weighing your ingredients, bearing in mind that the recipe is Victorian! A true Victoria Sandwich would only contain jam, usually raspberry, but as the cake became more popular and cooks became more affluent, cream was added as a delicious addition. I was always taught that caster sugar was sprinkled on top - again, icing sugar is often used nowadays. This recipe adaptation was taken from the WI website, a wonderful organisation in Great Britain for woman of all ages, backgrounds, race or creed - remember The Calendar Girls? They were all WI members! Historical note: Anna, the Duchess of Bedford (1788-1861), one of Queen Victoria's ladies-in-waiting, is credited as the creator of tea time. She invited friends to join her for an additional afternoon meal at five o'clock in her rooms. The menu centred around small cakes, bread and butter sandwiches, assorted sweets, and, of course, tea.The practice of inviting friends to come for tea in the afternoon was quickly picked up by other social hostesses. Queen Victoria adopted the new craze for afternoon tea time. By 1855, the Queen and her ladies were in formal dress for the Victorian tea time parties. This simple cake was one of the queen's favourites and was named in honour of the Queen as a mark of the cake's most devoted followers! (I used home made lemon curd for the cake in my photos, a tangy change from raspberry jam!) -- posted by French Tart

Dainty Egg and Chive Tea Sandwiches for Tea-Time

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 13:51:01 -0500

I am compiling a sandwiches cookbook, or sarnies as we call them in the UK, and here is my first recipe! Sandwiches come in many guises, from simple and elegant to hearty and robust; in my cookbook I aim to have them ALL in there! Sandwiches tick all the boxes for so many meals and events: the obvious high teatime table, cricket teas, picnics, packed lunches and quick snacks. These sandwiches are dainty and elegant and would be ideal for the teatime table. The use of fresh chives gives them a bit of a lift and you must try to use the salad cream as well as the mayonnaise; salad cream has a pronounced vinegary flavour which cuts through the richness of the mayonnaise and eggs. -- posted by French Tart

Freshly Shucked Oysters and Sauce Mignonette With a Twist!

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 12:21:51 -0500

A classic with a twist - I like to add a splash or three of Tabasco sauce to my shallot and red wine vinegar Mignonette sauce, for that extra zap! This is easy to make and is even better if you let the oysters marinate in the sauce for ten to fifteen minutes before serving them. I also like my oysters au natural with just a squeeze of lemon, but variety is the spice of life, and this makes an exciting change! The quantities listed below will be sufficient for between 12 large and 24 small oysters. -- posted by French Tart

Auld Alliance: Scotch Whisky & French Roquefort Pate

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 12:12:05 -0500

This original simple cheese cream from the historic Overscaig B&B in Sutherland is delicious served as a cream pate for the first course or at the end of a meal as a savoury. From "A Feast of Scotland" by Janet Warren. 'The Auld Alliance' refers to a series of friendship treaties between Scotland and France, first signed in 1295. -- posted by BecR

Classic English Salad Cream - Oil Free Salad Dressing

Sun, 08 Mar 2009 00:46:32 -0500

The salad cream that most of us in the UK know, love and use was invented by Heinz in 1914 and was very popular with working classes; a truly socialist salad dressing if you will. However, its popularity waned in the latter part of the century, with the arrival of the decadent mayonnaise, flaunting its Continental French and Spanish roots and pushing the humble salad cream to one side. However, like any good socialist, salad cream would not go away and still remains a firm favourite in the UK with people who have refused to climb that social ladder to mayonnaise!! My recipe for homemade salad cream comes from Mrs Beeton's cookbook originally, but I have made some modifications. Mrs Beeton uses quite a lot of vinegar in my humble opinion, but the recipe is flexible so add more if you wish. I prefer salad cream when I am trying to cut back on fat - plus I rather like it's tangy flavour, and it is truly wonderful when spooned over hard boiled eggs or fresh lettuce leaves. Or, try it in sandwiches and dips, for a lighter taste to mayonnaise. -- posted by French Tart

Summer Memories: Jumbleberry Crumble With Shortbread Topping

Sun, 08 Mar 2009 17:32:50 -0400

This was a quick throw it together Sunday Lunch pudding idea - raid the freezer for all the nearly used bags of frozen summer fruits, such as cherries, raspberries, blackcurrants, redcurrants, bilberries (blueberries), blackberries and strawberries. Fling them all into an ovenproof gratin dish; whizz up a shortbread crumble topping - and Bob's your uncle and Fanny's your aunt, as we say down our way!!!! We loved it, the combination of fruits was wonderful - and it is a great idea for using up whatever fruits you have lurking in your freezer. I am sure that fresh fruit would also be suitable. We like our fruits to be on the tart side - so pleased add sugar to taste! Serve the crumble with hot custard, cold custard, cream, ice cream, crème fraiche or whatever you fancy! -- posted by French Tart

Scottish Cheddar Cheese and Spring Onion Tea-Time Scones

Sun, 08 Mar 2009 17:34:36 -0400

Another one of my Scottish grandmother's recipes! I have several cheese scone recipes posted on Zaar, but this one is one of my favourites. Spring onions are also called green onions or scallions. My mum still makes these regularly and serves them filled with cream cheese (Boursin is great!) and cooked ham, a tea-time scone sandwich! Try to use a mature Scottish cheddar - my favourite comes from the Isle of Mull, but any mature farmhouse cheddar cheese will work. Another idea is to make mini versions of these scones for delightful appetisers, spread them with a filling of your choice - very welcome with a chilled wine or sherry! -- posted by French Tart

Auld Alliance: Potted French Blue Cheese and Scotch Whisky Pate

Sun, 08 Mar 2009 17:36:45 -0400

The Auld Alliance is the historic friendship between Scotland and France, as well as a traditional cheese and whisky recipe. Here is a modern version of my Scottish grandmother's recipe for Auld Alliance. I have used Scotch whisky and a lighter French blue cheese, Fourme d'Ambert, instead of the usual Roquefort, which I find very salty. This makes a fabulous appetiser or an alternative cheese course. Choose a blue cheese and Scotch whisky of your choice; blends are better than malts in this recipe. A Potted History! Scotlands most famous connection with Europe was the Auld Alliance with France. First agreed in 1295/6 the Auld Alliance was built on Scotland and Frances shared need to curtail English expansion. Primarily it was a military and diplomatic alliance but for most of the population, it brought tangible benefits through pay as mercenaries in Frances armies and the pick of finest French wines! The preparation time includes the chilling time. -- posted by French Tart

A Pint of Prawns and Guinness Chaser - British Pub Grub!

Sun, 08 Mar 2009 17:37:21 -0400

Classic and traditional British Pub Grub! Cooked prawns (shrimps) served in a pint mug with a tangy garlic mayonnaise and a pint of Guinness of course - my idea of heaven! British pub grub is justly famous and this simple dish is also great when served at home. Serve these prawns for family gatherings, or St Patrick's Day, St George's Day, St David's Day, St Andrew's Day, Australia Day, football, superbowl, darts matches or ANY time you fancy simple, robust food with a pint of ale! I have suggested Guinness but you can serve these prawns with any real ale or your favourite brew. I have spiced the mayonnaise up a tad - if you are not a lover of spicy food, serve these prawns with classic mayonnaise. -- posted by French Tart

Oatcakes

Sat, 21 Mar 2009 02:29:28 -0400

This is my best attempt to duplicate Scottish oatcakes, which I had previously only had from a box (brands such as Nairn). I don't know how they would compare to homemade oatcakes in Scotland or Ireland, although in my search for a recipe, I've found that there are many varieties, including sweet or yeast-leavened. This recipe is based on one I found in a Saturday Evening Post many years ago--which I adapted, lost, and then had to recreate from memory. However, I am quite pleased with the final result! Everyone seems to love them. I think they are traditionally served with cheese, butter, jams, etc. but we just eat them plain. (Note: You may use up to 1 tsp. of salt, or no salt at all, as in the original.) -- posted by TapestryThreads

Victorian Spring Posy Cake for Easter or Mother's Day

Sun, 22 Mar 2009 03:11:13 -0400

One of my recent cake inventions - a standard Victoria Sandwich Sponge with a few delicious additions! Fresh oranges and lemons, lemon curd, crystallised violets and mascarpone cheese make this basic sponge cake moist and special enough for the Easter Sunday tea-time table, or for Mum on Mother's Day! I used lemon curd for the icing, but orange curd would also work if you wanted a mellow flavour. I have a recipe for crystallised violets on Zaar, Recipe #216296, and if you don't have any fresh violets, use any sugar paste flowers or cake decorations that work for you - the object is to make a Posy of flowers! This makes a big cake with one layer, you can cut the cakes again and make a three layer gateau if you wish. This cake disappeared quite quickly, but if you have any left, it keeps EXTREMELY well in a tin for up to one week. The sponge cakes can be frozen before icing, cutting back on time if you are going to be busy for the special event. -- posted by French Tart

Scottish Cream Crowdie With Raspberries

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 01:03:16 -0400

This is a name that isn't really known on these shores, although there may be a small group or two of people of Scottish descent who use it. It is an Anglicized version of an old Gaelic (Scottish) word for curd. A crowdie was a porridge (or pudding) and was usually eaten for breakfast. This version is one that was used on special occasions at harvest time. Although a crowdie doesn't traditionally include fruit, it, like any breakfast cereal, is certainly lifted to another level when it is included. Adapted from King Arthur flour. -- posted by Sharon123

Soda Bread With Dark Chocolate and Candied Orange Peel

Sun, 31 May 2009 20:14:23 -0400

Bon Appetit, April 2005. Wonderful combination of orange and dark chocolate. Great for a tea or brunch. -- posted by swissms

Hearty and Healthy Five-Grain Bread

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 02:08:30 -0400

Toast up this delicous healthy bread and serve with soup or eat with a pat of sweet butter! There is about 2 hours rising time. Adapted from Country Living magazine. -- posted by Sharon123

Scottish Grasmere Shortbread

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 12:42:08 -0400

Since I love shortbread, this recipe is very special to me and I typically only make it during the holidays. It is the ultimate in shortbread that includes a crystallized ginger filling that is sandwiched in between shortbread that includes the ginger in the batter as well. You can also merely top single layers of the shortbread with the ginger frosting since the sandwiched cookie is extremely rich and is something that is more appropriate for a special occasion. -- posted by Maryelena

Rose Cottage Fragrant Old English Rose Liqueur Syrup

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:46:43 -0400

This is my mum's recipe for rose syrup - and the name of their cottage in England! Try to use old English shrub roses, as they are highly fragranced and impart a delicate flavour to the syrup. The correct word for this recipe would be a Shrub or a Ratafia, as it is fortified with brandy - however, Ratafia would also have fruit or almond kernels added; it would have been offered as a refreshing "pick-me-up" to gentile ladies - with water or lemonade added of course! This recipe is well over 100 years old and a bottle of this would make an unusual and delighttful gift. -- posted by French Tart

Chilled Summer Lettuce, Lovage and Garden Pea Soup

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 02:25:38 -0400

A delightful and refreshing chilled soup for summer - this savoury soup takes its flavour from freshly chopped lovage leaves, which impart a savoury, lemony and celery-like taste. I like to serve this pale green soup in clear glass bowls for maximum impact, with a few chopped leaves sprinkled on top and a swirl of cream. This soup makes an elegant starter for any summer event or a light luncheon dish. Do not be tempted to add more lovage then is suggested, it is a very strong flavoured herb and can be overpowering if used with a heavy hand! -- posted by French Tart

Old-Fashioned Lemon Verbena Lemonade Syrup

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 12:32:42 -0400

Pull up a hammock, select a good book and make a jug of this cooling lemonade to refresh you as you gently sway and wile away the long, hot hours! A simple zingy lemonade syrup that is added to water to dilute and is compulsory for hot, humid days! Lemon Verbena is one of my favourite herbs and is a welcome addition to my walled herb garden here in France. The syrup is also amazing if poured over ice creams and summer berries for a tangy citrus flavour. Add an attractive label and a sprig of lemon verbena leaves for a thoughtful summer gift. -- posted by French Tart

Old-Fashioned English Summer Berry Jelly and Ice Cream!

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 16:17:56 -0400

Little wibbly-wobbly ruby red jellies with mixed summer berries, so cooling and great with ice cream. There is nothing I love more than taking a basket to the end of my garden to pick an assortment of ripe summer berries when they are in season! The sense of satisfaction at picking your own fruit is wonderful. Although I have called these little jellies English summer berry jellies, I DO make these in France of course - it's just that the berries remind me of my grandparent's gardens and picking the fruit when I was little...plus, the combination of berries is the same as a traditional English Summer Pudding recipe! I make these in little vintage metal moulds, they look so pretty served this way; you can of course make this recipe in a large mould, but DO allow extra time for the jelly to set. -- posted by French Tart

Whiskey Smoked Salmon Spread

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:17:06 -0400

This is a delicious dip/spread that is great on a bagel. Or, if you are hosting a brunch, you can serve it on mini bagels garnished with some cucumber slices. Of course, if you don't like or drink whiskey, you can substitute milk in its place. -- posted by JackieOhNo!

British Fig Rolls - Almost Better Than Shop Bought!

Sun, 12 Jul 2009 09:47:22 -0400

This is a recipe I found many years ago for authentic Fig Rolls, and they are almost better than the shop bought variety, much though I love the commercial ones! Try to roll out the pastry as thinly as possible, other than that, this recipe is a breeze to make. Fig rolls are a much-loved "biscuit" from my childhood days and I make them whenever I can as I now live in France, as we cannot get them here. Fig rolls are great for a mid-morning snack with a cuppa as well as being ideal for school lunchboxes, picnics, gifts and afternoon tea. (I have posted this recipe on Zaar especially for Lalaloula, who asked about a fig roll recipe in the British forum.) -- posted by French Tart

Chicken Salad in a Creamy Chive and Lovage Dressing

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 15:55:21 -0400

I love my lovage! Moreover, this is a delectable way to use up cold cooked chicken with this wonderful old-fashioned herb! This salad would be perfect for a light luncheon dish or an elegant dinner party starter. I have also made this to take on picnics with great success. Lovage is one of my favourite herbs and I have been growing it for the last 20 years in my herb garden. It is only now regaining its popularity - however, it was a much-used herb in medieval times, and later on, it was often used as a salt substitute. The leaves have a slightly salty, savoury celery-like flavour and are very pungent, so they mused be used carefully in cooking. Anything more than 2 tablespoons of chopped lovage in this dressing will totally overpower all the other flavours - I know this to my cost! An obscure little-known fact! Culinary celery salt and celery seeds are nearly always made with ground lovage seeds, as lovage seeds have a more distinct celery flavour than celery seeds! I am a mine of useful or useless information! -- posted by French Tart

Bergamot Fresh Fruit Salad With Scented Pelargonium Leaves

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 10:58:43 -0400

This fruit salad is amazing, and all the more for the addition of bergamot leaves and flowers! The fragrant leaves of this versatile herb delicately flavour the syrup whilst the gorgeous shaggy red flowers and scented pelargonium leaves decorate it for the final finishing flourish! If you are a lover of Earl Gray tea, you will instantly recognise the flavour of this herb, as it is used to flavour this famous and popular tea blend. NOTE: Bergamot, often referred to as bee balm, became distinguished as "Oswego Tea" when a Quaker botanist, John Bartram, sampled a tea made from the leaves. A Bergamot lemon is a small yellow sour citrus fruit similar to an orange, mostly cultivated in Calabria in Italy. The rind contains an essential oil used in perfumery (the basis for eau-de-cologne), confectionary and Earl Grey tea. The zest is also used in pâtisserie. NB: Prep time includes cooling time. -- posted by French Tart

Little Wild Sorrel and Herb Tarts With Melted Goat's Cheese

Sun, 26 Jul 2009 10:12:12 -0400

A delicious and different way to use sorrel leaves - sorrel is usually used in soup and omelette recipes. These little herb tarts are so summery and make wonderful picnic food, as well as interesting appetisers. I have wild, woodland and cultivated sorrel in my garden, but prefer the tangy almost lemon and vinegar taste of wild sorrel leaves in these little tarts. Serve these warm or at room temperature with lightly dressed salad leaves and a glass of crisp, chilled Chablis or Chardonnay. Notes on using sorrel leaves: Sorrel is one of those ingredients that feature all too rarely in our kitchens, yet its bite and acidity make it one of summer's top temptations. When you're cooking the larger, mature leaves, strip out and discard the stalks, just as you would with spinach, before cooking. Avoid aluminium or cast-iron pans, though, because the oxalic acid in the leaves reacts with the metal and affects the flavour. -- posted by French Tart

River Cottage Sorrel Pesto With Goat's Cheese

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 02:10:48 -0400

Tangy, freshly made pesto with sorrel leaves and goat's cheese. A WONDERFUL recipe from River Cottage and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, and one that I use regularly! This pesto is stunning when added to gnocchi and all types of pasta, as well as grilled chicken and fish. So simple and full of summer flavours! It also makes a great gift for a dinner party host/ess, or for a foodie friend; put the pesto in an attractive jar with a recipe suggestion label and a wooden spoon. -- posted by French Tart

Lavender, Lemon and Honey Tea from Wolds Way Lavender Farm

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 02:14:35 -0400

A wonderful recipe that I discovered on a recipe card from Wold's Way Lavender Farm in North Yorkshire, England! This magical lavender farm is just down the road from my parent's house and is high on my "must visit" list when I go home to England. I have found that this tea is a miracle worker for headaches, head colds and colds in general........the soothing honey helps sore throats whilst the lemon contains essential vitamin C, and the lavender provides a calming and refreshing element to this herbal tea or tisane. Although this is mainly served hot, I have made this during the summer months as an iced tea, as it's perfect for hot, sultry days. -- posted by French Tart

Lavender and Strawberry Fruit Cup from Wolds Way Lavender Farm

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 02:14:53 -0400

A boozy lavender fruit cup made with vermouth, herbs and fresh strawberries! How good is that! This is another gem of a recipe that I discovered on a recipe card from Wolds Way Lavender Farm in North Yorkshire, England which is just 10 minutes from my parent's cottage. The delicately flavoured drink is the perfect way to unwind after a long, hard day........It is almost better than Pimms, and, as Pimms is my favourite summertime tipple, that is really saying something! Sit back, relax, sip and enjoy! -- posted by French Tart

Old-Fashioned Baked Egg Custard Tart With Nutmeg

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 03:12:41 -0400

A taste of my childhood, my grandmother made the most amazing Egg Custard, as we used to call it! In the absence of lard, or if you are vegetarian, use a white vegetable cooking fat, but NOT margarine, as the white fat gives the pastry its crispness. Serve this tart at room temperature with cream or just "naked"! You can buy these delectable little tarts in most British bakeries, but they always taste better when they have been made at home. This old-fashioned custard tart needs a thick, wobbly filling, so I've used a round tin with sloping sides and a rim, which gives a good depth. The nutmeg is very important to the flavour, so always use it freshly grated and grate it on to a piece of foil, which helps when you have to sprinkle it on quickly when it goes into the oven. -- posted by French Tart

Potted Shrimps for a Traditional Yorkshire Shrimp Tea

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 02:56:56 -0400

Delicate pink shrimps nestled in spiced butter that are packed into earthenware pots, and sealed with golden clarified butter - quintessential British fare that is tinged with timeless elegance of an old-fashioned Seaside teatime treat! Although Morecambe Bay in the North West of England is most famous for its potted shrimps, I remember these amazing Yorkshire Shrimp Teas from my childhood; you would see signs outside country cottages and farmhouses along the Yorkshire coastline near Scarborough and Whitby. Potted shrimps are traditionally served with hot toast and lashings of hot (preferably Yorkshire) tea! Serve these potted shrimp as appetisers, or for a real Yorkshire Shrimp Tea - with hot buttered toast, fresh lemon wedges and a pot of tea. This recipe is based on a 19th century recipe found in an old country cookbook, which I bought in an antique bookshop in England. (Prep time includes chilling time.) -- posted by French Tart

Irish and Scottish Gaelic Soda Bread Scones

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 11:00:40 -0400

Delicious and easy to make soda bread scones, which are perfect when served alongside soups, stews or an Irish or Scottish breakfast. These can be whipped up in a trice and make a nice alternative to bread.........they are also delectable when eaten hot, split and spread with fresh butter. -- posted by French Tart

Scottish Lorne Sausages: Square Breakfast Sausage!

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 11:02:17 -0400

Wherever you go in Scotland you will come across Scottish Lorne Sausage, which are square and sliced. Whether you be in a Hotel, a Guest House or a Bed and Breakfast, you will be offered a Scottish cooked breakfast, that will usually include the slices of this Scottish Lorne sausage. It is nearly always on a breakfast menu, along with bacon, egg, and "tattie" (potato) scones, and many Scots will eat it in a bread roll for lunch or maybe serve it with potatoes and vegetables for dinner. This is an easy recipe - and the sausage can be frozen in slices for ease and convenience. Prep time includes chilling time. What's in a name? It is thought that the Lorne sausage, which also goes by the names of square sausage, sliced sausage or sausage slice, was an invention of the Scottish comedian Tommy Lorne who lived from 1890 and died in 1935. He was born in Kirkintilloch near Glasgow. His birth name was Hugh Gallagher Corcoran. Tommy Lorne performed in many Scottish theatres and often performed in Glasgow and Edinburgh and was much in demand for pantomime. In his own acts he would apply white make-up and wear a short kilt, a glengarry, boots that were far too big for him and a jacket that was short. He spoke in an hilarious high pitched voice. It is thought that Lorne sausages were named after Tommy Lorne because of one of his famous catchphrase: "sausages are the boys" - he loved his sausages! He often ate a sausage sandwich between his acts. It has even been suggested that not only were Lorne sausages named after Tommy Lorne and to give people an easy to make sausage sandwich, but that Tommy Lorne was the inventor of the Lorne sausage. -- posted by French Tart

Terrific and Tasty Tidy Friday Pan Fry!

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 17:41:32 -0400

Another BRILLIANT idea from Nigel Slater and his new programme, "Simple Suppers". I love the idea of this, and can see all sorts of possibilities for what to "raid" from the fridge at the end of the week. I like his suggestions for bacon and bangers, and especially when served with crisp, green cabbage. An excellent, hearty supper dish and one that would be great for the children too - the greens being "hidden" amongst all the spuds, bacon and sausages etc! (By Nigel Slater. From Nigel Slater's Simple Suppers.) -- posted by French Tart

The Witchery by the Castle Gates Steak Balmoral and Whisky Sauce

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 16:28:42 -0400

An excellent recipe for traditional Scottish Steak Balmoral, as served at the famous "The Witchery" restaurant located in Edinburgh, Scotland at the very top of the Royal Mile near the gates of beautiful Edinburgh Castle. The "Old Hell Fire Club" used to hold their meetings in this historic sixteenth century building. We prefer tender Aberdeen angus filet steaks in this first-rate recipe, but sirloin steaks or rib-eyes are just as good. Do try to use a very high quality beef, if possible. You can carefully flambe the whisky in step 2, but I usually don't bother as I find it boils down quickly enough into the divinely smooth and mellow sauce without the extra step. Serve these steaks with steamed new potatoes or baked potatoes, and seasonal greens or a tossed salad. -- posted by BecR

Queen Victoria's Brown Windsor Soup

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 13:19:28 -0400

The very soup reputed to have built the British Empire and one that was oh-so-fashionable in Victorian and Edwardian times! This soup was served daily, until recently, in the dining cars of British Rail. This classic hearty soup was also very popular at the castle (Windsor) in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Queen Victoria was particularly fond of it, and it regularly appeared on state banquet menus. However, this recipe has not had very good press over recent years - drab tinned brands and indifferent, greasy soups served in some lower end restaurants have given it a bad culinary name! I hope to redress that with this authentic recipe from Windsor in Berkshire, England - home to the Royal Windsor Castle. A rich and hearty soup, this makes a meal in itself when served with crusty bread, scones or bread rolls. -- posted by French Tart

Spiced Autumn Walnut and Golden Syrup Tart-Pie

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 00:58:40 -0400

This sticky and lightly spiced walnut tart is absolutely perfect for any autumn gathering, especially Thanksgiving, Halloween or Bonfire Night. It combines walnuts together with warm spices and a hint of orange, which are all bound together in a buttery syrup filling.......if you cannot get hold of golden syrup, you can use honey instead. Serve this pie with a dollop of cream, crème fraiche or yoghurt. -- posted by French Tart

Potato and Leek Soup

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 11:39:54 -0400

Growing up in Scotland this soup was a favorite of mine. Over the years I have adapted it to suit my tastes. This is the full fat creamy version I use for Xmas and Thanksgiving a true treat for the holidays! But it is very easy to adapt it by using milk or half& half instead of creme fraiche, which I do at other times of the year.This freezes well, I reheat and add creme fraiche just before serving. There are creme fraiche recipes on this site the one identical to mine is Judi Caston's #34037. The servings are for holiday meals, if only for a dinner it serves about 4-6 -- posted by mrs mack

Bed and Breakfast Spiced Pumpkin Scones With Honey Butter

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:04:21 -0500

Gorgeous spiced pumpkin scones with honey butter - what a treat for the tea-time table during autumn and winter. I have made these twice now and love the combination of the honey butter with the scones, although they are also delicious with plain unsalted butter. This recipe came from an Australian "Olive" magazine that was sent to me, apparently, Queensland is famous for its blue pumpkins where this recipe originates from - I added the spices as well as the honey butter! A wonderful recipe for the cooler months, but as it uses tinned or frozen pumpkin, these can be made all year around. If you don't want to serve these with the honey butter, just split them whilst warm and spread with normal butter or cream. Mixed spice is a British spice mixture, I have a recipe for this on RZ: Recipe #266688 -- posted by French Tart

Guinness Cupcakes

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:35:49 -0500

Nigella Lawson's Guinness Cake is much talked about. This is a downsized version of my adaptions to her recipe, perfect for making 12 delicious cupcakes that look like miniature pints of Guinness. It's a bit of a grown up delicacy, the flavours might be a little rich for young kids, but chocoaholics and Guinness lovers will be delighted. -- posted by Jillsybean

Traditional Scottish Pure Butter Shortbread Cookies - Biscuits

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:49:57 -0500

Scotland's favorite tea-time or Christmas Holiday cookie! The very best fresh dairy butter is a requirement in these cookies, for flavor. Make them into squares or "Petticoat Tails", or any shape you wish. Great for gift giving. Our family favorite recipe, adapted from "Having Tea". -- posted by BecR

Coconut Ice - Old-Fashioned Sweet Shop Coconut Candy

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 14:49:09 -0500

A trip down Memory Lane! This is my mum's recipe for Coconut Ice, little coconut squares which are coloured pink and white, and used to be popular in old-fashioned British sweet (candy) shops. My mum used to make trays and trays of these for our Church fêtes, as well as for Christmas and for gifts. These lovely little coconut morsels are very popular in Scotland where I think my mum's recipe originated either from my Scottish grandmother or an auntie. These are great fun to make with the children, as they are easy as well as being "no-cook". If you plan to make them for gifts or to sell, pack them into attractive cellophane bags, glass jars or boxes and add a pretty ribbon as well as a label of ingredients and storage details. This recipe is part of my Old Fashioned Sweet Shop collection of recipes, sweets, candies, fudges, sugar plums and chocolates! -- posted by French Tart

Festive Sugar Plums - Old Fashioned Sweetmeats

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 16:37:27 -0500

I love the Nutcracker Ballet and the music that accompanies it, especially the dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies! These fabulous little festive sweetmeats are based on a recipe that I adapted from Delia Smith's latest and BRILLIANT cookbook, "Happy Christmas". I have made these TWICE already - as a pre-Christmas dummy run, and they are SO easy as well as being extremely delicious! Sugar plums are mentioned in all forms of literature; most famously in The Night Before ChristmasThe children were nestled, all snug in their beds, While visions of sugar plums danced in their heads". However, they are a VERY old kind of sweet/candy, and I have traced some recipes right back to the Middle Ages in one guise or another, usually with minced meat hence sweet meat. This recipe can be made as a boozy after dinner adult treat, or with orange juice so the children can dream of them dancing in their heads! NB: These are great fun to make with the children, as they are easy as well as being "no-cook". If you plan to make them for gifts or to sell, pack them into attractive cellophane bags, glass jars or boxes and add a pretty ribbon as well as a label of ingredients and storage details. This recipe is part of my Old Fashioned Sweet Shop collection of recipes, sweets, candies, fudges, sugar plums and chocolates! -- posted by French Tart

Jewel Studded Holiday Fudge With Ginger and Cranberries

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 16:42:20 -0500

A delectable holiday fudge, which is the ultimate treat for anyone with a sweet tooth. This buttery, crumbly fudge is enhanced and made more festive by studding it with rich, jewel-like fruit. If you do not have stem ginger handy, you can use crystallised ginger or glace ginger instead. Making fudge the proper way involves using a sugar, jam or candy thermometer - or you can use the "soft ball" method if you do not have a suitable thermometer. Drop a small spoonful of the fudge into cold water, if it forms a malleable soft ball, the setting temperature has been reached. If you plan to make this fudge for gifts or to sell, pack the squares into attractive cellophane bags, glass jars or boxes and add a pretty ribbon as well as a label of ingredients. This recipe is part of my Old Fashioned Sweet Shop collection of recipes, sweets, candies, fudges, sugar plums and chocolates! -- posted by French Tart

Buttered Pecan, Cranberry and Apricot Sausage Stuffing Loaf

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 17:49:04 -0500

A wonderful stuffing recipe for your turkey or indeed lamb, beef or game birds - this is baked in a bread (loaf) tin and looks very impressive when turned out, as well as being easy to slice and serve. It can also be served as an alternative type of "meatloaf" with salad, pickles and chutneys........or even better, in sandwiches. I have also made this as a vegetarian option, leaving out the sausage meat and adding more breadcrumbs to the stuffing loaf. -- posted by French Tart

Truly British Brandy Butter: for Festive Figgy and Plum Pudding!

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 18:07:31 -0500

Make your own brandy butter to smother over delicious, homemade Christmas Figgy or Plum pudding, and in only 5 minutes with this easy recipe,..........no Christmas table would be without this "naughty but nice" accompaniment! This is also wonderful when served with hot mince pies......prise open the pastry lids and dollop some brandy butter inside, preferably when they are warm, so the brandy butter runs through the pies! This makes a great gift - pack the brand butter into an attractive pot and add serving instructions. . -- posted by French Tart

After the Party is Over! Refreshing Detox Fresh Fruit Salad

Sun, 27 Dec 2009 14:50:57 -0500

A wonderful brunch recipe for the morning after or when you need an early boost for a busy day ahead; although this is super healthy and refreshing, I have also served this as the dessert dish for a buffet, BUT with champagne as the liquid instead of orange juice! (Just another idea for dressing this fresh fruit salad up with frills!) This is not only healthy, but it is SO festive and colourful - my photo shows the one I made this Boxing Day (26th December), I usually add kiwi fruit too, but we had run out of them.......oooops! My quantities listed here make enough for 6 to 8 people, but this can be increased as well as reduced to suit personal requirements. I normally serve this with crème fraiche or vanilla yoghurt, but its also wonderful when served naked, the salad that is, not me! The fruits I have suggested are rich in vitamins and antioxidants for a quick mental boost, as well as a rapid detox to aid recovery after a heavy night or after indulging in rich food, but please do adapt this to your own seasonal and local produce if you wish. -- posted by French Tart

Little Smoked Salmon Cucumber Cups With Peppered Creme Fraiche

Sun, 27 Dec 2009 15:30:18 -0500

Delightful and EASY little smoked salmon and cucumber appetisers, and healthy too, with NO pastry! These are a breeze to make but they tick all the taste boxes, as well as being elegant. Cucumbers do vary in size, and I have suggested a medium cucumber, which is about 10" to 12" long.........however, any size will do!! Adjust the crème fraiche to how many cups you yield from a cucumber, I managed to make 30 cups and used 10 tablespoons of crème fraîche for that amount, 1 teaspoon per cup. Serve these with cocktails and pre-dinner drinks, or as part of a buffet. The cucumber cups and crème fraîche can be prepared beforehand, but these should only be assembled 1 hour before serving (at the most) and covered in cling film to ensure the smoked salmon does not dry out. Allow 2 to 4 per person, depending on what else is served. -- posted by French Tart

Leftover Turkey and Leek Pot Pie With Instant Gravy

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 06:03:53 -0500

This is MY much adapted version of Jamie Oliver's Turkey and Sweet Leek Pie! I made this with left over Christmas turkey this year, and it was so delicious and went down a bomb with my family and friends! A new Jamie Oliver recipe that he showed on his Family Christmas show this year and one that is so clever, as this pie makes its own gravy! I have left out adding the chestnuts and sage to the pastry as he suggests, I will try it sometime in the future though, as it sounds a brilliant idea; I have added this option at the end of the recipe however, for those who want to try it that way. Serve this with mashed potatoes and the extra gravy in a gravy boat on the side. Here is what Jamie says about this pie: "This is dead simple, completely versatile and absolutely gorgeous. Its not a pretty-boy pie; its a proper, old-school pie that everyone will be over the moon to see on the table. Im putting leftover white turkey meat to good use here, but you could also mix brown meat in there too." I agree, all of my family and friends were over the moon to see this on the post Christmas table, I bet it tastes great with chicken and ham too. NB: he original recipe makes enough for 6 to 8 people, mine is perfect for 4 very hungry people! -- posted by French Tart

Fortnum and Masons Authentic Scotch Eggs With Sausage and Herbs

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 17:06:45 -0500

Freshly boiled eggs are encased in a herb flavoured sausage jacket and are then deep-fried until golden and crisp, delicious! Contrary to popular belief, Scotch eggs are not Scottish, and they were actually invented by the famous London department store Fortnum & Mason in 1738, where they are still available today. The word "Scotch" is an old English word meaning to chop or mince, and obviously, the eggs are covered with chopped or minced pork sausage meat, hence the name Scotch Eggs. They are traditional British picnic food but I also like to serve them as a light lunch or snack, and they make a wonderful addition to the buffet table. These tasty traditional English specialities have had bad press over the years; mainly down to commercial mass production, but if you make them at home with fresh, free-range eggs and the best quality sausage meat, they will taste divine, and they will always be the stars of the picnic hamper or family lunch table! PLEASE use high quality sausage meat or sausages, with at least 70% meat content.Historical Note: Founded in 1707, Fortnum & Mason (F&M) stocks "food fit for a queen". The 300-year-old British department store, famous for its jams, teas, and sauces, provides the Queen with her annual supply of Christmas puddings and holds the "Royal Warrant. -- posted by French Tart

Traditional Potted Spiced Ham for Tea Time by Mrs Beeton

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 15:04:02 -0500

An old-fashioned treat, this is a fabulous way to use up left over ham, although I have also put some freshly cooked ham aside especially for this when I have baked a ham for Christmas, Easter or another special occasion. The ham is finely minced and mixed through with old-fashioned spices and butter, and it keeps for several weeks in a cool place. Another name for this recipe is Potted Meat, and it was VERY popular in Victorian times, although recipes for potted meats (preserved under butter) goes back even further than that historically. Wonderful in sandwiches for the teatime table or for picnics, lunch boxes and festive buffets. This is an adapted recipe from Mrs Beetons Book of Household Management, where she suggests that this is a nice addition for the Breakfast or Luncheon table. Serve with sliced breads of all types, oatcakes, toast, bread rolls, and crackers or with salad, chutneys, mustard and pickles. NB: Use a good cooked ham on the bone for this recipe: the sort carved by hand at the deli and old-fashioned butchers. So called "cooking time" is chill time. -- posted by French Tart

Buttermilk and Sour Cherry Scones for Afternoon Tea and Picnics

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 15:23:23 -0500

A delightful and EASY scone recipe that is perfect for a proper afternoon tea or to take on a picnic. Dried sour cherries are sensational and give a deep essence of cherry flavour to these scones, whilst the buttermilk makes them light and airy. This is a casual eating scone, easy to rustle up, and is perfect when eaten fresh from the oven with butter and maybe some cherry jam and cream too! If taking on a picnic, wrap the scone in a clean tea towel to keep it warm and pack the butter and jam separately. Makes one large scone, which is marked to split into wedges when served. -- posted by French Tart

Irish Rarebit on Soda Bread With Cheddar Cheese and Ale

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 00:32:04 -0500

An easy and very tasty rarebit dish made with Irish cheddar cheese and the ubiquitous Irish ale, Guinness. The Emerald Isle produces some great dairy products and none is better than their butter and Cheddar style cheese. This recipe has Ireland written right the way through it, using soda bread as the base for this cheesy snack, as well as the aforementioned cheese and ale. I have also made these to eat with a bowl of hearty soup or Irish stew, perfect for a cold or damp winter's day. Amazing high tea time food as well; served with salad, chutneys and pickles for a cheap and easy fire-side supper. -- posted by French Tart

Monday Supper! Curried Lamb and Chutney Rissoles/Patties

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 11:13:25 -0500

A tasty and different way to use some of the Sunday Roast leftovers on Monday! Although I have specified lamb in this recipe, beef would also work very well, it's just that I had roast lamb leftovers when I made these. These rissoles are lightly spiced and tangy - perfect for supper when served with salad, pickles, chutneys and maybe a naan bread or pitta bread to make a sandwich. They are easily made and can be prepared ahead of time and left in the fridge, as they hold their shape better when they have been chilled and are firm. These will also freeze very well; open freeze them before frying on a tray or plate until firm and then pack them into freezer bags or a plastic container. They only need about 6 hours to defrost and then are cooked as instructed below.Use curry powder to taste, I use 2 teaspoons as I like mine quite spicy! -- posted by French Tart

Making a Perfect Cup or Pot of Tea

Sat, 30 Jan 2010 18:07:55 -0500

From "Victorian Tea Party". Afternoon and High tea were daily events in Victorian society in England and ladies tea parties were very popular. The table was beautifully set with the household's best bone china, beautifully prepared sandwiches and treats were served and tea was carefully brewed to ensure the very best flavor. In 1880, Mrs. Beeton's Book of Household Management was published - here is what she had to say about making tea the proper way: "There is very little art in making good tea; if the water is boiling, and there is no sparing of the fragrant leaf, the beverage will almost invariably be good. The old-fashioned plan of allowing a teaspoonful to each person, and one over, is still practised. Warm the teapot with boiling water; let it remain for two or three minutes for the vessel to become thoroughly hot, then pour it away. Put in the tea, pour in from 1/2 to 3/4 pint of boiling water, close the lid, and let it stand for the tea to draw from 5 to 10 minutes; then fill up the pot with water. The tea will be quite spoiled unless made with water that is actually boiling, as the leaves will not open, and the flavour not be extracted from them; the beverage will consequently be colourless and tasteless,in fact, nothing but tepid water. Where there is a very large party to make tea for, it is a good plan to have two teapots instead of putting a large quantity of tea into one pot; the tea, besides, will go farther. When the infusion has been once completed, the addition of fresh tea adds very little to the strength; so, when more is required, have the pot emptied of the old leaves, scalded, and fresh tea made in the usual manner. Economists say that a few grains of carbonate of soda, added before the boiling water is poured on the tea, assist to draw out the goodness: if the water is very hard, perhaps it is a good plan, as the soda softens it; but care must be taken to use this ingredient sparingly, as it is liable to give the tea a soapy taste if added in too large a quantity. For mixed tea, the usual proportion is four spoonfuls of black to one of green; more of the latter when the flavour is very much liked; but strong green tea is highly pernicious, and should never be partaken of too freely." -- posted by BecR

Elegant Tarragon and Tomato Butter Tea Sandwiches

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 09:56:30 -0500

These delightful and rather unusual tea sandwiches combine the delicate French herb tarragon, with ripe tomatoes, garlic and shallots a change from the usual basil and tomatoes. The tomatoes are gently poached with all the seasonings until a thick puree or butter is obtained; the tomato butter is then cooled and you are left with a wondrous sandwich filling, bursting with flavour and colour! The butter can be used for all manner of things, including a topping for a pizza or for toasted sandwiches. Use fresh bread, white or wholemeal, and garnish with fresh tarragon leaves. Any excess butter can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week in the fridge. NB: Prep time includes chilling time for the butter. -- posted by French Tart

Victorian Watercress Tea Sandwiches for High Tea and Picnics

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:20:30 -0500

During Victorian times, children used to take watercress sandwiches to school in place of meat ones. I love them, especially when cut into small trianges and served with a cuppa (cup of tea!). Use the freshest bread - I like to use wholemeal, and a fresh salted farmhouse butter. I have inlcluded a soup idea at the end of the recipe, to be made with the excess stalks! So a soup and sandwich recipe then! -- posted by French Tart

A Mere Trifle! Strawberries and Clotted Cream Trifle

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:20:30 -0500

Luscious fresh strawberries nestle amongst light sponge cake sandwiched with strawberry jam, which are then covered with creamy custard and topped with clotted cream. Simple! This trifle may be simple but it is the star on any tea-time or dessert table and if you cannot obtain clotted cream, use whipping cream, heavy cream or double cream instead. Madeira is used in place of sherry in this trifle, which gives a mellow flavour to the trifle. This is a recipe that my mum sent to me, from a cutting in a British magazine promoting Devon and Cornwall in the West Country - home of the Cream Tea! If you wish to serve this to children or non-drinkers, substitute the Madeira with fruit juice of your choice. In the summer scatter some pink rose petals over the top for the ultimate and romantic finish! (Prep time includes the chilling and soaking time.) -- posted by French Tart

Pain DÉpices - Spiced French Gingerbread Loaf With Honey

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:20:36 -0500

A French classic and one that I will me making myself from now on, having just paid a small fortune for a tiny, if delicious loaf from my local boulangerie! This is a cross between sticky ginger parkin and a gingerbread cake or a tea loaf. It is not as moist as parkin or gingerbread, but it is extremely good when spread with butter or even better, when toasted.......divine! It is also surprisingly good when served with cheese. Another idea that I discovered in a local café, is to serve it warm with a dollop of crème fraiche and a little bunch of fresh berries on top, a perfect dessert for an elegant dinner party! This improves with keeping and makes a wonderful gift for a foodie friend or hostess wrap in cellophane and attach a ribbon with serving suggestions. If you cannot source Quatre Épices, I have a recipe on zaar to make it at home! Recipe #283280 -- posted by French Tart