Orange and ginger cake

This was a very simple cake to make because all you have to do is beat all the ingredients together and put in a loaf tin. Bake for about 40 minutes in a moderate oven (test with a skewer to check that it's cooked). Allow to cool and turn out onto a wire tray. I made a little icing with icing sugar and some left over squeezed orange juice - but of course this is optional
10oz (275g) self-raising flour
I teaspoon baking powder
6oz (175g) soft brown sugar
8oz (225g) butter
3 eggs
Juice of 2 oranges
4 teaspoons ground ginger.

Enjoy!

Porter cake

16oz, 450g plain flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
half teaspoon each of mixed spice, nutmeg and cinnamon
16oz of mixed fruit (currants, raisins, sultanas & mixed peel, if you like)
About 350ml of Guinness or other stout
8oz, 225g butter
8oz, 225 brown sugar
2 large eggs.

Sieve the flour, baking powder and spices. Rub in the butter.
Mix in the sugar
In a jug or bowl mix the stout and the beaten eggs.
Add the liquid mix to the flour etc.
Mix well.
You need a dropping consistency.

Put into a greased 8" tin and bake at Gas Mark 4, 350/180 for about 2 hours until a skewer comes out cleanly.

Store for a day or two before eating

A local delicacy

 

We have few culinary claims to fame around here.  Last year the Hairy Bikers visited the area and asked  people to name a local speciality, and this was what everyone nominated - the Staffordshire oatcake!

The ones we had for lunch came from a local oatcake shop.  They'll do all kinds of filling... we make our own with cheddar cheese and tomato.  They're not just savoury though...I can recommend them just buttered, and spread with honey.