Scottish Fruited Gingerbread

Scottish Fruited Gingerbread Recipe - A Delicious Dessert from Scotland

Region / culture: Scotland | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 60-65 minutes | Servings: 8-10

Introduction

Scottish fruited gingerbread is a traditional dessert that is rich in flavor and perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines the warm and spicy flavors of ginger with the sweetness of dried apricots to create a delicious treat that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

The origins of Scottish fruited gingerbread can be traced back to Scotland, where it has been enjoyed for generations as a popular dessert. This recipe has been passed down through families and is a beloved treat that is often served during holidays and special occasions.

Ingredients

0.5 lb (250 g) plain flour
2 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda (bicarbonate of soda)
3.5 oz (100 g) light brown sugar
3 oz (90 g) unsalted butter
4 fl oz (125 ml) golden syrup or light corn syrup
5 fl oz (150 ml) milk
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 oranges, zest only
2 oz (60 g) dried apricots, finely chopped

How to prepare

Grease and line a deep 7-inch (18 cm) square cake tin.
Sift together the flour, ginger, baking powder, and baking soda.
In a pan, combine the sugar, butter, syrup, and milk. Warm gently until melted and blended, but do not boil.
Add the melted mixture to the flour along with the eggs. Mix thoroughly.
Stir in the orange zest and apricots.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking tin and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 60 – 65 minutes, or until the cake is firm to the touch.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool.
The flavor of this cake improves with age, so store it in an airtight container for 2 – 3 days before serving.

Variations

Add chopped nuts or dried cranberries for extra texture and flavor.
Substitute the apricots with raisins or dates for a different twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to grease and line your cake tin to prevent the gingerbread from sticking.

- Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough texture.

- Allow the gingerbread to cool completely before slicing to ensure that it holds its shape.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Scottish fruited gingerbread warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.

Cooking Techniques

Baking

Ingredient Substitutions

Use honey or molasses instead of light corn syrup.

- Substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option.

Make Ahead Tips

Scottish fruited gingerbread can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the gingerbread on a decorative platter and garnish with fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Enjoy Scottish fruited gingerbread with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy and comforting dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover gingerbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave for a few seconds or in a low oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Scottish fruited gingerbread contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Scottish fruited gingerbread contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Scottish fruited gingerbread contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Scottish fruited gingerbread contains approximately 4 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Scottish fruited gingerbread is a good source of iron, vitamin C, and vitamin A.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten, dairy, and eggs.

Summary

Scottish fruited gingerbread is a delicious dessert that is relatively high in carbohydrates and fats, but also provides a good amount of proteins and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Scottish fruited gingerbread is a delightful dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With its warm and spicy flavors, this traditional recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe is still vivid in my mind. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in the Scottish countryside. I was always curious about cooking and loved spending time in the kitchen with my mother and grandmother, watching them prepare delicious meals and treats.

One day, my grandmother received a letter from a distant relative who lived in the Highlands. In the letter, she mentioned a recipe for Scottish fruited gingerbread that had been passed down through generations of our family. Excited to try something new, my grandmother decided to make the gingerbread for our Sunday tea.

I watched in awe as she gathered the ingredients - flour, sugar, butter, golden syrup, ground ginger, mixed spice, dried fruit, and milk. She explained that the key to a successful gingerbread was to mix the ingredients together with love and care, ensuring that each element was well incorporated.

As the gingerbread baked in the oven, the sweet and spicy aroma filled our home, making my mouth water in anticipation. When it was finally ready, my grandmother sliced a piece for each of us to try. The warm, moist texture and burst of flavor from the dried fruit and spices were like nothing I had ever tasted before. It was a magical moment that I would never forget.

From that day on, Scottish fruited gingerbread became a staple in our household. My grandmother would make it for special occasions, family gatherings, and even just as a treat for us to enjoy on cold winter days. Each time she made it, she would tell me the story of how she learned the recipe and how it had been passed down through the generations of our family.

Over the years, I watched and helped my grandmother perfect her recipe, adding my own touches and variations along the way. Sometimes we would experiment with different types of dried fruit or spices, creating unique and delicious variations of the traditional gingerbread. It became a symbol of our family's love for cooking and sharing meals together.

As I grew older and started my own family, I continued to make Scottish fruited gingerbread for my children and grandchildren. I passed down the recipe, along with the story of how it had come to be a part of our family tradition. It brought us together, creating memories and moments that we would cherish forever.

Now, as I sit here reflecting on those days gone by, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences and lessons that cooking has taught me. The recipe for Scottish fruited gingerbread is more than just a list of ingredients and instructions - it is a connection to my past, a reminder of my roots, and a celebration of the love and joy that food can bring to our lives.

I am grateful to my grandmother for sharing this recipe with me, for teaching me the importance of tradition and family, and for instilling in me a passion for cooking that has shaped my life in so many ways. As I continue to cook and bake for my loved ones, I carry on the legacy of Scottish fruited gingerbread, passing down the recipe and the memories to future generations. And with each bite of that sweet and spicy gingerbread, I am transported back to those days of discovery and delight, forever grateful for the gift of cooking that has enriched my life in more ways than I can count.