thanks to… Asad
Having grown up in Cardiff, Wales (Caerdydd, Cymru), a lot of who I've become stems from my upbringing there. As a child you can take many things for granted because your interests naturally change over time, but after moving to New Zealand and growing up here, I realised how significant things became.
Welsh Cakes, being so unique and traditional to Wales, is one such thing that takes me back, often causing bouts of homesickness! I always describe these to those unfamiliar to them as being a cross between a biscuit and a cake, with a texture that's soft but firm and mildly sweet, with a hint of fruit and spice that's reminiscent of Christmas Fruit Mince Pies.
Here I combine the best of both of my home-grown worlds, Wales and New Zealand, with these Welsh Cakes and Appleby Farms - a delicious pairing and one that's perfect to cozy up to in front of the fire with a nice cuppa!
The mixture is easy to make but requires some patience as it is made in a pan, not an oven, so you need to regulate the heat frequently.
Ingredients
250g Self-Raising Flour
1.5 Tsp Mixed Spice
80g Caster Sugar
115g Unsalted Butter
115g Currants or Mixed Dried Fruit
1 Large Egg
Extra Butter (For Greasing Pan)
Splash of Milk (If Needed)
Method
Sift dry ingredients together, then rub in butter until mixture is crumbly.
Add currants/fruit and mix.
Beat egg and add to mixture, combining into a dough.
If too dry, add in a splash of milk.
Roll onto floured surface with a rolling pin to about 4-5mm in thickness.
Using a cookie cutter, cut into rounds and continue this until dough is used up.
Lightly grease a heavy pan using butter smeared onto a paper towel (easiest way to cover entire pan).
Heat pan over medium heat and cook for around 2-3 minutes each side, flipping a bit like a burger. Careful with heat though.
If they begin cooking too quickly, you'll need to adjust heat between low and medium constantly as dough needs to cool through.
They are ready to cool when they are lightly brown and firm.
Once cooled, sprinkle with caster sugar and serve with your favourite Appleby Farms flavour