50 mins
Parkin
Recipe by Graham
Parkin originated in northern England and is a moist and even sometimes sticky cake traditionally made from oatmeal and molasses (a thick, black, sugar cane by-product).
One of the key features of parkin is that it retains its texture well and can be kept for a week or two in a sealed tin or box. In fact, fresh parkin is frowned upon by "connoisseurs", but sometimes eaten warm as a pudding with a dollop of custard. Ah, what memories - I still recall my mother making parkin for Bonfire Night (5 November), which is when it was traditionally eaten to celebrate the famous failure of Guy Fawkes to blow up the Houses on Parliament in 1605 (pity about that!!)
Pappucharu - Dal Curry 
Party Night Baked Potatoes Ingredients for Parkin
Currently displaying quantities in US Imperial Measurements
How to Cook Parkin
- In a large heavy-based saucepan over a gentle heat, melt together the butter, sugar, treacle and golden syrup. Do not allow the mixture to boil, you just need to melt them to combine them.
- In a large mixing bowl stir together all the dry ingredients (oatmeal, baking powder, ginger, nutmeg and mixed spice). Gradually stir in the melted butter mixture and mix thoroughly to coat all the dry ingredients.
- Slowly beat in the eggs a few tablespoons at a time, then add the milk and again stir well.
- Grease an 8" x 8" (20cm x 20cm) square cake tin and pour in the mixture. Cook in a preheated cool oven (Mk 1 - 275ºF - 140ºC) for 1½ hours until firm and set and a dark golden brown.
- Remove the parkin from the oven and leave to cool in the tin. Parkin is better for a little "ageing" so, once cool, cut into squares about 2" (5cm) across and store it in an airtight container for a minimum of 3 days (if you can resist the temptation to eat it). You can comfortably leave it up to a week before eating as the flavours really develop and the mixture softens, becoming moist and sticky. The Parkin will keep up to two weeks in an airtight container.
GRAHAM'S HOT TIP:
If you stick strictly to the recipe, there is more than enough liquid. Any more and the mixture will become too sloppy. The oatmeal must be medium or medium to fine, never above medium since this will create a cake that is too dry.
What To Eat Tonight
The versatile egg just hides quietly in your kitchen waiting for the word of command, then transforms itself into a million different meals.
Soup from a packet? You're kidding! Good soups are easy to make and are a whole lot more healthy and wholesome than any commercial stuff.
Who doesn't like Chinese food? I've yet to meet anyone who doesn't just love the fusion of flavours, colours and ideas.
Other Baking Recipes
Mum's Chocolate Crunch Cake was one of my favourite things when I was young... and, if I'm honest, it still is! It keeps fine for two or three days.
A well known Scottish export, shortbread biscuits are sweet and yummy! This recipe is to make round ones, but you can soon adapt it to make fingers.
Chocolate and Nut Snaps is a mouth-watering sweet treat of melted chocolate and toasted nuts - topped off with a sprinkling of sea salt.
