Category Archives: Biscuits

The Art Of Feathering

These images and recipes come from the booklet shown opposite which dates back to somewhere about the late fifties. Despite being a promotional tool for Stork margarine it nevertheless contains some interesting insights into what would then have been basic … Continue reading

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Brandy Snaps

Another offering from the Lyle’s Golden Cookbook from the archive dating back a mere thirty years comes this classic recipe. Often considered ‘difficult’ or ‘bothersome’ to make, the brandy snap is still a tea-time favourite that is well worth the … Continue reading

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Pfeffernüsse Pastries

Pfeffernüsse are fluffy pastries made with ground nuts and spices, somewhat akin to maccaroons. Like the spekulatius, the biscuit has been part of European yuletide celebrations since the mid nineteenth century. Popular in Germany, Denmark, and The Netherlands as a … Continue reading

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Cookery Post Bag

Once again we have a Lillian Mattingly article, this time for a recipe request service. Back in the dim and distant thirties there was no internet to log onto for a recipe or advice and although it was always possible … Continue reading

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To Be Seen, Not Heard . . .

During the Victorian era, although the social conditions were fairly dire for the working classes, things were improving further up the ladder. Then came the first world war which, in spite of being one of the bloodiest and most costly … Continue reading

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Hogmanay Treats!

With the end of 2012 rapidly approaching I shall add here a few tasty treats that may not be produced in time for the relevant parties and festivities but they are nice to look at and possibly with the idea … Continue reading

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Festive Gingerbread

Returning once again to the early thirties and Elizabeth Craig we come to that staple of the British tea table : Gingerbread. Sweet, sticky and spicy it has many copies but very few rivals. A tireless champion of the ‘British … Continue reading

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Lebküchen

The forerunner of today’s Lebküchen was called the “honey cake” and its history can be traced back to the Egyptians, the Greeks, and the Romans. They believed that honey, the only sweetener widely available to them, was a gift of the … Continue reading

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A Gingerbread Man In A Gingerbread House . . .

Gingerbread dates back to the 15th century, and figural biscuit-making was practiced as far back as the 16th century. The first documented instance of man-shaped gingerbread biscuits was at the court of Elizabeth I. She had the gingerbread figures made … Continue reading

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Christmas Cakes & Cookies

What is, or rather what is not, a Christmas cake? Christmas is an occasion when people of all ages, shapes, sizes and opinions come together for a time of fun, frivolity and food! This particular item comes from the immediate … Continue reading

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