This recipe is the microwave version which was on the side of a Whitworth’s Brand Ground Rice packet along with the Baked version that I’m more familiar with. I’ve hunted for ages to try and find the old recipe I used to have when I was small and this looks like it. I’m sure my mum used to add a few drops of vanilla essence, a ‘knob’ of butter (a bit cut off the corner of a slab) and an egg white (possibly the whole egg, – can’t remember :). She also used to add a little nutmeg and a little cinnamon and mix them in before cooking. Nice served hot or chilled with jam (jelly). IMPORTANT NOTE: Although originally listing as ‘untried’, since then I’ve actually made this version. The recipe as shown here is as it was shown on the packet. No Microwave power rating was given so timings must be assumed to be dependent on your machine. ALSO A WARNING: When I made it, once it boiled, it rose up to the top of the dish. Fortunately I was watching at the time so I stopped the microwave. In the end I found it necessary from that point to cook it on the defrost setting until it was suitably thick. (My machine has only Off/On/Defrost buttons – it’s very old!). Took about the same amount of time – somewhere around 10 minutes overall. Notwitstanding that minor shock, it was absolutely wonderful to eat. Similar to semolina pudding, but much, much nicer. I added a couple of drops of vanilla flavor, a dash of nutmeg and a very small pinch of cinnamon before putting in the microwave and would recommend doing the same. Served as I did with a manually home-made coarse puree of fresh strawberries (and sweetener) and dollop of ‘sweetenered’ Greek-style yoghurt then sprinkled liberally with cinnamon. Absolutely heavenly! – I’ll be making this a lot!!
There are few things more quintessentially British than an Eccles Cake. They are quite simply a great British institution. I absolutely adore them!! This recipe was created by the Michelin starred chef Marcus Waring, especially for the Great British Menu competition. The pastry takes a little time, but it really is worth taking the time and effort to achieve that perfect flaky buttery deliciousness. Of course if it really is too much trouble you can substitute store bought puff or rough puff pastry. Go on treat yourself to a taste of Great Britain with your cup of Earl Grey tea! Timings do not include chilling times!
I am finally posting my recipe for Spotted Dick! This delicious steamed sponge pudding with currants is a British schoolboy favourite from the days when school dinners were not only tasty and nourishing, but may have been the only hot meal of the day for some children. Originally, Spotted Dick would have been made with beef suet and breadcrumbs – this recipe has been updated for modern tastes, and uses vegetarian suet or butter with flour. Serve this with English custard for a comforting and nostalgic flavour explosion! Steaming is so easy, and whilst it bubbles and simmers away, you are free to do other things around the kitchen, such as prepare the custard!
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!!
Call it what you will, traditional British cheese on toast is a national institution, an iconic snack enjoyed by all, regardless of class or background! What can be simpler and tastier, hunks of homemade or crusty farmhouse style bread topped with mature Cheddar cheese, a smidge of mustard and Worcestershire sauce for those who desire an extra kick! This is NOT really a recipe; it is a basic method for making a super tasty and nutritious fast food dish. There is even a Cheese on Toast Day celebrated in the UK – mark your calendars now, the last Thursday in April has been set aside for this comforting supper treat. I lived on cheese on toast whilst I was a student, as I am sure most students do nowadays! You can use other British cheeses, but I find the best cheese without a doubt, is a good mature farmhouse cheddar. Make sure your bread is thickly sliced and you have your plates ready and waiting to receive the molten cheesy snack – pull up a chair by the fireside in the winter and enjoy your 5-minute culinary efforts! (This is an all year around snack I hasten to add.) An interesting historical note; toasted cheese was served as the final course to male diners during Edwardian times, in Gentleman’s Clubs……..the cheese was melted and served in a pot with the toast set around the edges – a sort of Gentleman’s Club fondue!
