Unlike a Christmas cake a simnel cake doesn't need to be made too far in advance, a couple of weeks will have it maturing nicely.
The Simnel Cake signifies the end of Lent which is a period of fasting and repentance culminating in a feast of seasonal and symbolic foods. The Simnel Cake is rich with fruits, spices and marzipan, all forbidden during the period of Lent.
Originally the Simnel Cake was made for Mother's Day by girls in service who were given the day off to visit their mothers.
The name is believed to come from a sister (Nell) and brother (Simon) who wanted to make a cake for their mother. One wanted to bake the cake, the other to boil it. They decided to do both and bring them together in one which became The Simnel Cake.
Stay up to date with British Food by signing up for my Weekly Newsletter.
Become a fan of British Food on Facebook.
Join me on Twitter
Photo © istock
Comments