Eccles Cakes sweet and warming pastries from www.cookist.com
Introduction
Eccles cakes are a popular British pastry that originated in the town of Eccles in Greater Manchester. They are small, round cakes made of flaky pastry that is filled with a mixture of currants, sugar, and spices. Eccles cakes are usually served with a cup of tea or coffee and are best enjoyed warm.
Ingredients
To make Eccles cakes, you will need the following ingredients:
1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/2 cup of unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
1/4 cup of cold water
1/2 cup of currants
1/4 cup of brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon of ground allspice
1 egg, beaten
Instructions
Follow these steps to make Eccles cakes:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
Add the cubed butter to the bowl and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Add the cold water a little at a time and mix until the dough comes together.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
In a separate bowl, mix together the currants, brown sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, and allspice.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a large rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
Using a round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass, cut out circles of dough about 3 inches in diameter.
Place a spoonful of the currant mixture in the center of each circle of dough.
Brush the edges of the dough with the beaten egg.
Bring the edges of the dough up and over the currant mixture to enclose it and pinch the edges together to seal.
Flip the cakes over and gently press them down to flatten them slightly.
Place the Eccles cakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Brush the tops of the cakes with the beaten egg.
Bake the Eccles cakes for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Eccles cakes are best enjoyed warm.
Nutrition
Here is the approximate nutritional information for one Eccles cake:
Calories: 245
Protein: 3g
Carbohydrates: 31g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 52mg
Sodium: 154mg
Potassium: 89mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 12g
Vitamin A: 390IU
Calcium: 23mg
Iron: 1mg
Conclusion
Eccles cakes are a delicious British pastry that are easy to make at home. With their flaky pastry and sweet currant filling, they are the perfect accompaniment to a hot cup of tea or coffee. Give this Eccles cakes recipe a try and impress your friends and family with your baking skills!
