"Remember, remember the fifth of November" It is time to think of comforting foods to eat around the bonfire, and Yorkshire Parkin is a must!

From the 19th century, Parkin has been part of November 5th celebrations.

It is peculiar to the North of Britain, and the variety associated with Yorkshire is soft, thick and cake-like.

It has a crumbly texture and a sticky surface in comparison to the thinner biscuit varieties found further North.

This recipe has a simple method which children will enjoy (with a little help when it comes to using the oven!).

For best results make a few days in advance and wrap in foil to encourage the stickiness to develop.

It can also be served warm as a dessert with toffee sauce, custard and/or vanilla ice-cream.

YORKSHIRE PARKIN

Ingredients: 200g self-raising flour 200g porridge oats 2 level teaspoons ground ginger 150g butter or margarine 225g light soft brown sugar 200g golden syrup 150g black treacle 2 medium eggs 200ml milk teaspoon bicarbonate of soda

Method:

1 Preheat the oven to 160 C. Line a 21 x 28cm (approx. 9" x 11") baking tin with baking paper (not greaseproof).

2 Place the flour, oats and ginger into a bowl and mix together.

3 Put the butter, sugar, syrup and treacle together in a pan (it is probably easier to weigh the syrup and treacle directly into the pan). Place over a moderate heat and stir until a smooth mixture forms. Pour onto the dry ingredients.

4 Combine the eggs and milk together in a jug. Stir in the bicarbonate of soda and then add to the other ingredients. Mix until well combined.

5 Pour into the prepared cake tin and bake in the pre-heated oven for 40 minutes or until just firm in the centre. Remove from the oven and allow to cool on a cooling wire.

6 Wrap in foil until required and then cut into pieces using a serrated knife.

  • In 2007 I am launching "Wharfedale Cookery". I will be offering hands-on cookery courses and seasonal demonstrations from my new home. Courses are informal and designed for anyone with an interest in food and cooking - whether you are looking for inspiration to entertain your family and friends, or simply wishing to increase your confidence in the kitchen.

To register your interest and to join the mailing list, email: info@wharfedalecookery.co.uk