Question for Brits and those in the know

Erin

Hi all, I am putting together a collection of recipes to match the descriptions of food in a book collection I am compiling for my friends little girl. I have just come upon a description of a cake in Susan Cooper's Over Sea, Under Stone that reads as such; "a dark yellowy-orange cake, thick and crumbling with fruit". Does this sound like Cornish Saffron cake to any of you? The book takes place in Trewissick, Cornwall, so I'm thinking it fits. Any other ideas?
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"It's watery....and yet there's a smack of ham."

"It's hot ham water."

Griffin · Joined: 09 Jun 2006 Posts: 932 Location: England

Well I am a Brit... tho' not sure I am in the know! But you could have a look at this blog and see if this blogger knows.

http://bakingforbritain.blogspot.com/2006/08/cornish-saffron-cake.html

I may have to check out this blog proper for myself!! Then who knows but I might be in the know... and a Brit!
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Confusion comes fitted as standard.

Erin · Posted: Tue Jul 07, 2009 8:52 pm Post subject:

Griffin, What a great site, thanks. I think we both know that your are very much in the know.
_________________
"It's watery....and yet there's a smack of ham."

"It's hot ham water."

georgia · Joined: 16 May 2006 Posts: 456 Location: california

Erin, sorry that I can't be of help here...I just wanted to chime in about this fine website, too! Since my lovely aunt in London (whom I visited whenever I could) died last year, I've been missing both her and my trips to Britain. Maybe a bit of British baking will help ease a losses a bit when I need a "pick-me-up"...a scone and a nice cuppa can work wonders sometimes.

By the way, your project intrigues me and sounds like great fun. Can you tell us more?

madameshawshank · Posted: Wed Jul 08, 2009 9:08 am Post subject:

Erin, what a truly gorgeous thing to do...sweet thoughtful gesture!

http://www.cornishfruitcakecompany.co.uk/golden-fruitcake.htm

though my money would be on a saffron cake ~ delicious studded with currants!

can imagine the little girl being tickled pink with the gift...
_________________
"I've never accepted the external appearance of things as the whole truth. The world is much more elaborate than the nerves of our eye can tell us." - James Gleeson

Erin · Posted: Wed Jul 08, 2009 5:20 pm Post subject:

Georgia, Remembering someone in such a way is so comforting.

As for the project, I've always loved to recreate food from the books I've read, though it's been a while. I was reading a post on one of my favorite blogs recently about apple strudel, the writer reminisced about reading Chalet Girls as a child and of the books description of the strudel. Ever since Andrew posted about taking his little girl into the world of Madeline, I've thought of how magical an experience that will be for her and from there my idea began to form. So, I am going through my favorite childhood books to find descriptions of food, finding recipes and putting together a collection. I will also be giving the books in conjunction with the recipes, so she and her parents can read and bake together thus bringing the book to life.

Also, because I am so excited doing all of this I have to tell you, I'm also putting together a box of proper dress-up items. None of this plastic princess stuff, but proper out of date scarves, gaudy necklaces, heels and floppy hats. I love being a fake auntie.

Madame, Thank you for the link!
_________________
"It's watery....and yet there's a smack of ham."

"It's hot ham water."

georgia · Joined: 16 May 2006 Posts: 456 Location: california

This is a fabulous, charming idea! I absolutely love it. Would you mind very much if I stole it and put together something similar for my granddaughters? What a lovely Christmas/Hanukah present this would be for a special child. Actually, I think my daughters would love it even more than the little ones--at least at this stage.

Kudos to you for being such a clever girl Laughing

Erin · Posted: Wed Jul 08, 2009 6:11 pm Post subject:

Georgia, of course not! In fact we should have a little info exchange. Mine are going to be from an array of books for various age groups, so it grows with her. I'll post a list here soon.
_________________
"It's watery....and yet there's a smack of ham."

"It's hot ham water."

Griffin · Joined: 09 Jun 2006 Posts: 932 Location: England

Erin,

If you are going to be an aunt - even a pretend one, you will need a guide. I suggest Aunts aren't Gentlemen by PG Wodehouse. I suggest not being the Aunt Agatha type who 'eats broken bottles and wears barbed wire next to the skin'!!
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Confusion comes fitted as standard.

Erin · Posted: Wed Jul 08, 2009 8:56 pm Post subject:

Ha! I forgot about 'the nephew crusher'! My dad got me onto Wodehouse when I was 12, good memories. I can promise not to be an auntie of that persuasion, I have no appetite for broken glass.
_________________
"It's watery....and yet there's a smack of ham."

"It's hot ham water."

madameshawshank · Posted: Thu Jul 09, 2009 12:32 am Post subject:

Erin, could we see a photo of the finished product...pretty please!

It's such a gorgeous idea of yours...inspirational methinks...

as for the dressing up gear...ah, floppy hats etc...such stories will be made
_________________
"I've never accepted the external appearance of things as the whole truth. The world is much more elaborate than the nerves of our eye can tell us." - James Gleeson

Erin · Posted: Thu Jul 09, 2009 2:56 pm Post subject:

Madame, It may be a little while, but definitely.

Thanks, she's a bright eyed little pud who seems to find everything miraculous and awe inspiring. With that sort of inspiration it is easy to be creative.
_________________
"It's watery....and yet there's a smack of ham."

"It's hot ham water."

dory · Joined: 11 Nov 2007 Posts: 235 Location: Madison, WI

This is a lovely idea. I grew up on British children's books-- some of them quite old, with authors like E. Nesbit, and full of food I wanted to taste but could not, like barley sugar.

Dory

madameshawshank · Posted: Mon Jul 20, 2009 7:35 am Post subject:

dory, when I was a little girl I used to love barley sugar twists...the twist bumps were all part of the eating fun...shocking for teeth Rolling Eyes

_________________
"I've never accepted the external appearance of things as the whole truth. The world is much more elaborate than the nerves of our eye can tell us." - James Gleeson