This is a great recipe if you don’t have the time (or courage) to attempt a fruitcake or plum pudding. The cake will still give your holiday a taste of British tradition. If you already stocked your larder with homemade mincemeat and applesauce you have already put a lot of love … [Read more...] about Holiday Mincemeat Cake
Sweets
Easy Holiday Mincemeat Oatmeal Squares
Nothing says British Christmas like mincemeat. Originally mincemeat was made with ground meat, offals, eggs and whatever else was on hand. The first mince pies were prepared by the Crusaders in the 11th century. Spices (cinnamon, nutmeg) brought back from the Holy Land were … [Read more...] about Easy Holiday Mincemeat Oatmeal Squares
Psychic Irish Barmbrack
Barmbrack is a traditional Irish bread. Barmbrack means "speckled loaf" in Gaelic. It is baked in either a loaf pan or cake pan depending on your family tradition. The brack foretells the future. Baked with charms, a piece is served to each member of the family, and your … [Read more...] about Psychic Irish Barmbrack
Spooky Soul Cakes, The Original Halloween Treat
Trick or Treating originated in Britain and Ireland. Children and the poor would go "souling", going door-to-door singing songs on All Soul's Day (Nov. 2), saying prayers for homeowners, and performing other tasks to receive a soul cake a spiced biscuit. A soul! A soul! A … [Read more...] about Spooky Soul Cakes, The Original Halloween Treat
Fabulous Light Fruitcake
If you are not a fan of fruitcake it is likely that you have been subjected to the introduction of mass-produced cakes in the early 20th century which took all the love out of the process, and just a lack of knowledge as to how to make a great moist cake. I defended the … [Read more...] about Fabulous Light Fruitcake