#jmhay

Dating back to the 18th Century, a Queen Cake is an individual, small, and rich cake containing dried fruit (currents normally). Sometimes in the past the mixture would be baked in heart-shaped tins.

Rock cakes originated in Britain and they were, and still are a traditional teatime treat. They were very popular during the Second World War since they require less eggs and sugar than ordinary cakes.

Hidden amongst the ridiculous amount of baking books my mum and I have collected was this well-worn gem, 'Favourite Recipes, by J. M. Hay'. Within this tattered little book lies a collection of my Great Great Auntie Jessie's favourite baking recipes from the 1940's right through to the early 1950's.

In total there are 52 recipes, some are newspaper cut outs, some were passed from friend to friend, and others were her very own. However, the constant factor was that all 52 were baked by her, and from today onwards all 52 will be baked by me, her Great Great Niece. 

I can't wait to get started!