Lardy Cake
Lardy Cake is a traditional English tea bread that originates from the south of England, particularly Wiltshire. It is a rich, indulgent treat made with bread dough, lard, spices, sugar, and currants. This cake is quintessential of the English tea-time tradition, where sweet and savory are often combined. Lardy Cake can vary slightly by region, but the core components remain the same.
History of Lardy Cake
The origins of Lardy Cake can be traced back to the 15th century. It was particularly popular among rural communities and farm workers as it provided a high-energy meal that was easy to pack for the day. Over the centuries, this cake has remained a favorite in English bakeries and homes, particularly during the cooler months.
Ingredients
- Strong bread flour - 500g
- Salt - 10g
- Yeast - 7g active dried
- Warm water - 300ml
- Lard - 100g
- Caster sugar - 100g
- Mixed spice - 1 tsp
- Currants - 150g
Preparation
Step 1: Making the Dough
Start by mixing the strong bread flour and salt in a large bowl. Make a well in the center, add the yeast and the warm water. Mix to form a smooth dough. Knead thoroughly for about 10 minutes until the dough is elastic and resilient. Cover and leave it to rise in a warm place for about an hour or until it doubles in size.
Step 2: Rolling and Layering
After the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it into a rectangle about 1cm thick. Spread a third of the lard evenly over the dough, then sprinkle a third of the caster sugar, a third of the mixed spice, and a third of the currants over the lard.
Step 3: Folding the Dough
Fold one third of the dough into the center and then fold the opposite third over it, like folding a letter. Give the dough a quarter turn, roll it out again and repeat the layering process twice more with the remaining ingredients.
Cooking
Place the dough in a buttered cake tin and cover it loosely. Leave it to rest and rise again for about 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F). Bake the Lardy Cake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. You can use a cooking timer to keep track of the baking time.
Serving Lardy Cake
Lardy Cake is best enjoyed warm with a generous spread of butter. It can be served as a traditional tea-time treat or a comforting snack.