I've been practising my Christmas baking; I know - I'll peak too soon and by Christmas it'll be Mr Kipling if you're lucky! But I enjoy it more when there's no pressure and cinnamony, nutmeggy smells go with autumn. Last weekend I made an Italian spongata, from a 19th century recipe - like a big mince pie stuffed with honey and walnuts - but they're much older than that and this picture dates back to the 1690s. (That's not my best profile!) I cheated and used ordinary shortcrust because last time I used the original pastry - made with olive oil and white wine - and it turned out like old boots. This time I decided it was a success and I'll make it again.
But this weekend, I went back to my favourite old-fashioned seed cake - which has now officially replaced lemon drizzle as my default bake setting. (Nigel Slater says be frugal, a pinch of caraway is quite enough; I say go for it, I stir in a full tablespoon.) I do think it's time for a seed cake revival.
5 comments:
The spongata sounds interesting. Unfortunately I have never been a fan of caraway.
Why do I associate seed cake with Dickens? Whatever the reason for me this is also the season for curling up in front of the fire with one of his novels ( all re-reads by this late stage in my life). Which one shall it be this year?
The spongata worked well - and sliced nicely, Gina. I never used to care for caraway but I've come round; I think a freshly-opened jar makes all the difference;not nice if they've been lingering in the back of the cupboard.
It's very tea with maiden aunts, isn't it? I thought, surely tea with Miss Havisham - then googled, and it turned out to be seed cake for tea when David Copperfield brought Drippy Dora to meet Agnes. I still have a few of his novels that I haven't read; Martin Chuzzlewit or Our Mutual Friend, and I'm ashamed to say Oliver Twist. (Feel as if I've seen too many film versions!)
Oh, the Spongata sounds absolutely delicious. Seed cake reminds me of the 1950s and elderly spinsters but it was my dad's favourite cake and you could say I was reared on it. I do love the taste of caraway.
Umm, I suppose I am an elderly spinster! Oh dear!
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