Welcome to the delightful world of Cornish cuisine! In this article, we will take you on a culinary journey through the archives of a Cornish kitchen, where traditional and modern recipes come together to create a harmonious blend of flavors. From the early 1600-1800s to the present day, Cornish cooking has evolved and adapted, yet still retains its unique charm and identity.
One of the top dishes you will find in a Cornish kitchen is the famous Cornish Pasty. This delectable treat consists of a golden and crispy pastry case, filled with a savory mixture of minced beef or lamb, onion, potato, and swede. The traditional recipe, dating back centuries, is still as popular as ever, but modern variations have also emerged, with fillings ranging from chicken and bacon to vegetarian alternatives with cheese and vegetables.
If you have more of a sweet tooth, Cornish Fairings are a must-try. These deliciously spiced biscuits, made with butter, sugar, and a blend of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg, are perfect for a cozy Sunday afternoon with a cup of tea. Originally prepared by the famous Woolleys Cornish Fairing Company in the 19th century, these biscuits have stood the test of time and continue to be a beloved treat.
For those who love baking, a Cornish Saffron Cake is a delightful choice. This unique cake, with its vibrant yellow color and fragrant aroma, is made with saffron-infused milk, yeast, flour, and sugar. Traditionally served as a special treat during celebrations and festive occasions, this cake is a true testament to the Cornish culinary heritage.
To satisfy your chocolate cravings, a Cornish Chocolate Pasty is the ultimate indulgence. This modern twist on a classic features a rich and gooey chocolate filling encased in a buttery pastry shell. The sweetness of the chocolate mingles perfectly with the saltiness of the pastry, creating a heavenly combination that will leave you wanting more.
Another delightful Cornish creation is the Cornish Oatmeal Cake. Made with traditional Cornish oats, this cake has a rustic and hearty texture that is oh-so-satisfying. The addition of chopped hazelnuts adds a delightful crunch, while a sprinkle of cocoa powder adds a hint of sweetness. This cake is perfect for a picnic or an afternoon snack.
Whether you are a fan of traditional Cornish dishes or enjoy exploring modern variations, there is something for everyone in a Cornish kitchen. The rich history, the unique ingredients, and the passion for good food all come together to create a culinary experience that is truly unforgettable. So roll up your sleeves, knead that dough, and get ready to embark on a delicious journey through Cornish cuisine!
Chocolate Oatmeal Picnic Cake
This delicious and modern take on a traditional Cornish recipe is perfect for a picnic or any outdoor adventure. Made with cocoa, oatmeal, and hazelnuts, this cake has a lovely crispy texture and a rich chocolate flavor.
To make this cake, you will need:
- 2 cups oatmeal
- 1 cup hazelnuts, chopped
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon spice
- 1/4 teaspoon yeast
To start, preheat your oven to 1600-1800 and grease a baking dish.
In a large bowl, mix the oatmeal, hazelnuts, sugar, milk, cocoa powder, butter, salt, nutmeg, spice, and yeast. Beat the mixture well until all the ingredients are well combined.
After everything is mixed, knead the dough with your hands until it becomes smooth and elastic. Then, transfer the dough to the greased baking dish and spread it evenly.
Bake the cake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until it is crispy and golden brown on top. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.
This cake is best enjoyed with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream. It’s also great on its own, with a cup of tea or coffee.
Enjoy this delicious Chocolate Oatmeal Picnic Cake, and have a wonderful time exploring the Cornish countryside!
Cornish Cakes
In Cornwall, cakes have always been a part of our culinary heritage. From the early 1600-1800s, you could find a variety of delicious cake recipes in the Woolleys’ archives. Today, we still enjoy baking these traditional treats in our modern kitchens.
One classic Cornish cake is the Sunday Cake. Made with yeast, sugar, and milk, this cake is rich in sweetness and flavor. It’s perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon, enjoying with a cup of tea.
If you’re in the mood for something more modern, why not try the Cornish Chocolate Cake? This updated recipe adds a touch of cocoa powder and chopped hazelnuts to the traditional cake mixture. The result is a rich and indulgent chocolate cake that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
For those who enjoy a bit of spice, the Cornish Spice Cake is a must-try. With a blend of nutmeg, cinnamon, and other warm spices, this cake is perfect for autumn picnics or crisp early mornings. The cake is topped with a crispy oatmeal and sugar topping, adding a delightful crunch to each bite.
No matter which Cornish cake you choose to bake, one thing is for sure – you’ll be treated to a lovely, flavorful treat that has stood the test of time. So grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and get baking!
Crispy Milk Chocolate Cake
If you’re looking for a delicious and modern twist on a traditional Cornish recipe, look no further than this Crispy Milk Chocolate Cake. This recipe combines the sweetness of milk chocolate with the crispiness of a hazelnut topping, making it the perfect treat for any occasion.
A Modern Take on an Early Cornish Recipe
Cornish cuisine has a rich history dating back to the early 1600-1800s. In those times, bakers would often use yeast as a leavening agent for their cakes. But in this modern update, we’ve swapped the yeast for baking powder, making it easier and quicker to prepare.
To make this cake, you’ll need:
- 2 cups of flour
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1/2 cup of cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 1/2 cup of butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon of hazelnut extract
- 1/2 cup of chopped hazelnuts
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until creamy. Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
Next, knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic. Roll the dough out to fit the baking pan, and then transfer it to the pan.
In a small bowl, mix together the chopped hazelnuts and hazelnut extract. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the dough.
Bake the cake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
A Lovely Addition to Any Picnic or Sunday Afternoon
This Crispy Milk Chocolate Cake is the perfect sweet treat to bring along to a picnic or enjoy on a lazy Sunday afternoon. The combination of the crispy hazelnut topping and the moist chocolate cake is a match made in heaven.
So why wait? Try this delicious recipe from a Cornish kitchen and indulge in the goodness of modern and traditional flavors mingling together.
| Ingredients: |
|---|
| 2 cups of flour |
| 1 cup of sugar |
| 1/2 cup of cocoa powder |
| 1 teaspoon of baking powder |
| 1/2 teaspoon of salt |
| 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg |
| 1/2 cup of milk |
| 1/2 cup of butter, softened |
| 2 eggs |
| 1 teaspoon of hazelnut extract |
| 1/2 cup of chopped hazelnuts |
About Me
Welcome to my kitchen! I am passionate about Cornish cooking and preserving the traditional recipes that have been passed down through generations. My name is [Your Name] and I have been cooking since I was a young girl. Growing up in Cornwall, I was surrounded by rich culinary traditions that inspired me to explore the flavors of this beautiful region.
In this collection of recipes, you will find a mix of traditional and modern dishes that capture the essence of Cornish cuisine. From hearty stews and creamy soups to delectable pastries and indulgent cakes, there is something to delight every palate.
Traditional Recipes
My love for Cornish cooking is rooted in the classics. The traditional recipes in this collection have been carefully curated from old archives and updated for the modern kitchen. You will find beloved dishes like the famous Cornish pasty, a savory hand pie filled with meat and vegetables, and the indulgent Cornish cream tea, a delightful combination of freshly baked scones, clotted cream, and fruit preserves.
One of my personal favorites is the Woolley’s Cake, a rich and moist chocolate cake that dates back to the early 1600-1800s. Made with cocoa, chopped hazelnuts, and a hint of spice from nutmeg, this cake is sure to satisfy any chocolate lover’s cravings.
Modern Twists
While I hold a deep respect for tradition, I also believe in embracing the creativity and innovation that comes with modern cooking. In this collection, you will find recipes that put a contemporary spin on Cornish classics. For example, my Cornish Oatmeal Crispy Cakes are a delightful twist on the traditional Cornish cake. Made with oats and a generous topping of melted chocolate, these crispy treats are perfect for a picnic or a sweet indulgence any time of the week.
Whether you are a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, I hope that these recipes will inspire you to explore the rich flavors of Cornish cuisine. So grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and let’s embark on a culinary adventure together!
Sunday 2 August 2020
In the archives of a Cornish kitchen, you will find a collection of traditional and modern recipes, including some delightful cakes. One such recipe is a lovely Crispy Chocolate Hazelnut Cake, which is perfect for a Sunday picnic.
This cake is made with a sweet and crispy topping of chopped hazelnuts and sugar, which gives it a delightful crunch. The base of the cake is a rich and moist chocolate sponge, made with cocoa, flour, sugar, eggs, and butter. The cake is also flavored with a hint of nutmeg, which adds a warm and spicy touch.
To prepare this cake, start by creaming the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Then, beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the cocoa, flour, salt, nutmeg, and milk. Once all the ingredients are mixed together, gently fold in the chopped hazelnuts.
Next, transfer the batter into a cake tin and bake in a preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool before removing it from the tin.
This Crispy Chocolate Hazelnut Cake is a modern twist on a traditional Cornish recipe, updating the flavors and textures for a contemporary palate. It is a delicious treat that can be enjoyed any time of the year, but it is particularly perfect for a summer picnic on a sunny August Sunday.
So, if you’re looking for a delightful and indulgent cake to enjoy this Sunday, why not try this Crispy Chocolate Hazelnut Cake? It’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your friends and family.
Cooking in the Archives: Updating Early Modern Recipes 1600-1800 in a Modern Kitchen
If you delve into the archives of cooking from the years 1600-1800, you will find a treasure trove of recipes waiting to be rediscovered. These early modern recipes offer a glimpse into the culinary practices of the past, and with a little updating, they can be transformed into delicious dishes for our modern kitchens. Let’s take a look at how we can bring these traditional recipes into the 21st century.
1. Baking Cakes from the Archives
One recipe that caught my eye was a spice cake recipe from the famous “The Compleat Cook” by Elizabeth Woolley. The original recipe calls for ingredients such as hazelnuts, cream, and milk, which were common in the 17th century. To update this recipe, we can replace the hazelnuts with chopped almonds for a modern twist. We can also use a combination of milk and almond milk for the cream and milk. The result is a deliciously spiced cake that retains the essence of its early origin.
To make the updated spice cake, begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, 1 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of nutmeg, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. In another bowl, beat together 1/2 cup of melted butter, 1/2 cup of milk, 1/2 cup of almond milk, and 2 eggs. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing well. Pour the batter into a greased baking pan and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Updating Oatmeal Bread with a Cocoa Topping
Another recipe that caught my attention was an oatmeal bread recipe from the 18th century. The original recipe uses yeast as the leavening agent, a common practice at the time. To give this bread a modern twist, we can add a cocoa topping for a touch of sweetness. The result is a lovely combination of flavors and textures that is perfect for a Sunday picnic or a casual weekend breakfast.
To make the updated oatmeal bread, start by dissolving 1 packet of yeast in 1/4 cup of warm water. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, 1 cup of rolled oats, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Add the yeast mixture and 1 cup of warm milk to the dry ingredients, and knead until a soft dough forms. Cover the dough and let it rise for about an hour, or until it doubles in size.
Once the dough has risen, knead it again and shape it into a loaf. Place the loaf in a greased bread pan and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise for another 30 minutes. While the bread is rising, prepare the cocoa topping by mixing together 1/4 cup of cocoa powder, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 1/4 cup of chopped hazelnuts in a small bowl.
After the second rise, gently brush the top of the loaf with milk and sprinkle the cocoa topping over it. Bake the bread in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 40-50 minutes, or until the top is crispy and golden brown. Let the bread cool before slicing and serving.
By updating and adapting these early modern recipes, we can enjoy the flavors of the past in our modern kitchens. Whether it’s a spice cake or an oatmeal bread, these recipes allow us to connect with our culinary heritage while indulging in a delicious treat. So why not try cooking from the archives and bring a taste of history into your home this August?
FAQ
Can you tell me about Cornish Cakes?
Of course! Cornish Cakes are traditional pastries that originated in Cornwall, a region in southwest England. They are known for their unique shape and delicious taste. The cakes are typically made with a sweet pastry dough and filled with a variety of fillings, such as fruit preserves, chocolate, or caramel. The edges of the cakes are crimped to give them their distinctive appearance. Cornish Cakes are often enjoyed as a sweet treat with tea or as a dessert. They are a popular delicacy in Cornwall and can be found in bakeries and cafes throughout the region.
What is Cooking in the Archives all about?
Cooking in the Archives is a project that explores historical recipes and cooking techniques by studying original manuscripts and books from archival collections. The project aims to bring these historical recipes to life by recreating them in a modern kitchen. Through hands-on cooking and experimentation, the project participants gain insights into the culinary traditions and flavors of the past. Cooking in the Archives also involves researching the historical context of the recipes, such as the social, cultural, and economic factors that influenced food preparation and consumption. The project shares its findings and experiences through blog posts, recipes, and other educational resources, allowing people to discover and appreciate the rich culinary heritage of the past.
What are some traditional Cornish recipes?
Traditional Cornish recipes include dishes like Cornish pasties, saffron cake, Cornish heavy cake, and stargazy pie.
