Maids of Honour Cakes
Maids of Honour Cakes Recipe from England | Vegetarian Dessert
Introduction
Maids of Honour Cakes are a delightful and traditional British pastry that dates back to the 16th century. These small, almond-flavored cakes are perfect for serving at tea time or as a sweet treat for any occasion.
History
The recipe for Maids of Honour Cakes is said to have originated in the kitchens of Henry VIII's Hampton Court Palace. Legend has it that the cakes were so delicious that the king himself declared them fit for his maids of honour, hence the name. Since then, Maids of Honour Cakes have become a beloved British treat enjoyed by many.
Ingredients
- 0.5 pt (237 ml) milk
- 2 tbsp bread crumbs
- 4 oz (113 g) butter
- 2 oz (57 g) almonds, ground
- 1 oz (28 g) sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 lemon zest (the grated
- -rind of one lemon)
- puff paste
How to prepare
- Boil the milk and bread crumbs and let them stand for 10 minutes.
- Add the butter, almonds, and sugar. Beat in the eggs, one at a time.
- Put a dessert spoonful of the mixture in the center of the pastry and bake until golden brown.
Variations
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm and spicy flavor.
- Top the cakes with sliced strawberries or raspberries for a fruity twist.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to let the milk and bread crumbs mixture stand for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- When adding the eggs, be sure to beat them in one at a time to ensure a smooth and creamy batter.
- For a golden brown finish, bake the cakes until they are lightly browned on top.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Maids of Honour Cakes warm with a dollop of clotted cream or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Cooking Techniques
Bake the Maids of Honour Cakes in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can substitute ground walnuts or pecans for the almonds in this recipe.
- If you don't have puff pastry, you can use shortcrust pastry as a substitute.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the batter for Maids of Honour Cakes ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake.
Presentation Ideas
Serve Maids of Honour Cakes on a decorative platter with a sprig of fresh mint for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Enjoy Maids of Honour Cakes with a cup of Earl Grey tea or a glass of sweet dessert wine.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store leftover Maids of Honour Cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Maids of Honour Cakes contains approximately 250 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Maids of Honour Cakes contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Maids of Honour Cakes contains approximately 15 grams of fats.
Proteins
Each serving of Maids of Honour Cakes contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.
Vitamins and minerals
Maids of Honour Cakes are a good source of Vitamin E and magnesium.
Alergens
Maids of Honour Cakes contain almonds and eggs.
Summary
Maids of Honour Cakes are a delicious treat that is relatively high in fats and carbohydrates. They are a good source of proteins and provide essential vitamins and minerals.
Summary
Maids of Honour Cakes are a delicious and historic British treat that is perfect for any occasion. With a rich almond flavor and a light, flaky pastry crust, these cakes are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
How did I get this recipe?
I recall the feeling of curiosity that washed over me when I found this recipe for Maids of Honour Cakes tucked away in an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I knew that I had stumbled upon a treasure trove of culinary secrets that had been waiting to be discovered.
The recipe for Maids of Honour Cakes had a long and storied history, dating back to the 16th century when they were said to have been a favorite treat of Queen Elizabeth I. Legend has it that the name "Maids of Honour" came from the Queen's maids who were so taken with the delicious little cakes that they begged the royal bakers to share the recipe with them. And share they did, spreading the fame of the cakes far and wide.
I was determined to recreate this historical recipe in my own kitchen, using the knowledge and experience I had gained from years of cooking and baking. I gathered the ingredients - butter, sugar, eggs, flour, lemon zest, and currants - and set to work, following the instructions with care and precision.
As the cakes baked in the oven, filling my kitchen with the tantalizing aroma of butter and lemon, I couldn't help but think about the generations of women who had come before me, each one adding their own touch to the recipe and passing it down through the ages.
When the cakes were finally done, I eagerly took a bite, savoring the delicate crumb and the burst of citrus from the lemon zest. They were absolutely delicious, just as I had imagined they would be. I knew that I had uncovered a true gem, a recipe that would become a beloved tradition in my own family for years to come.
I shared the Maids of Honour Cakes with my friends and neighbors, delighting in their reactions as they tasted the sweet and tangy treats. Many of them asked for the recipe, and I was more than happy to oblige, passing on the culinary wisdom that had been entrusted to me.
As time went on, I continued to make the Maids of Honour Cakes for special occasions and gatherings, each batch turning out just as perfectly as the last. They became a symbol of my love for cooking and my appreciation for the rich history behind each dish.
And so, as I write down this recipe for Maids of Honour Cakes, I can't help but feel a sense of pride and gratitude for the culinary heritage that has been passed down to me. With each bite of these delicious little cakes, I honor the memory of all the women who came before me, each one adding their own flavor to this timeless recipe. And I know that as long as there are curious cooks like me, the tradition of Maids of Honour Cakes will continue to thrive for generations to come.
Categories
| Almond Recipes | English Recipes | Puff Pastry Recipes | Vegetarian Recipes |