How to Cook Welsh Cakes Without a Griddle - Rogue's Guide
Let's be honest, there's something almost magical about cooking Welsh cakes on a traditional griddle. The gentle sizzle as the batter hits the hot surface, the way the edges crisp up to golden perfection, and that unmistakable aroma that fills the kitchen with warmth and a promise of sweet, buttery goodness. But what happens when that trusty griddle is nowhere to be found? Fear not, fellow cake enthusiasts! You can still enjoy these delightful treats, even if you're missing the 'official' equipment.
I remember the first time I tried to make Welsh cakes without a griddle. It was a rainy afternoon in Cardiff, the kind of day that begs for a warm, comforting treat. I'd promised my friends a batch of my grandmother's famous Welsh cakes, but disaster struck – my griddle had gone missing! Panic set in. What was I to do? My grandmother, bless her soul, would have simply chuckled and said, "There's always a way, cariad." And she was right.
So, with a deep breath and a sprinkle of that Welsh determination, I set about finding a solution. And you know what? The results were surprisingly delicious. Since then, I've perfected my griddle-less technique, and I'm here to share my secrets with you.
The Secret Weapon: Your Trusty Frying Pan
Yes, you read that right! A good old-fashioned frying pan is a fantastic substitute for a griddle. The key is to choose one with a heavy base that will distribute heat evenly. Cast iron or non-stick both work well.
Getting Started:
Before we embark on this culinary adventure, let's gather our ingredients. This is where you can unleash your inner Rogue and experiment with flavours, but for now, let's stick to a classic recipe:
225g plain flour
100g salted butter, cold and cubed
50g caster sugar
50g currants or raisins
1 egg, beaten
A splash of milk
The Method:
Prepare the Dough: Just like making traditional Welsh cakes, start by rubbing the cold butter into the flour until it resembles breadcrumbs. Imagine you're crumbling soft sand between your fingertips. Then, stir in the sugar and dried fruit. Finally, add the beaten egg and enough milk to bring the mixture together into a soft dough.
Roll it Out: Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough to about half a centimetre thick. Think of the thickness of a sturdy coaster. Now, grab a cookie cutter and cut out your cakes. Rounds are traditional, but feel free to get creative with shapes!
Heat Things Up: Place your frying pan over a medium heat. You don't want the pan to be smoking hot, just nicely warmed through. Think of the gentle heat of a summer sun, not the scorching intensity of a furnace!
Cook to Perfection: Add your Welsh cakes to the pan, making sure not to overcrowd it. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. You'll know they're ready when they have those lovely dark brown spots and a slightly springy texture.
Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, transfer your Welsh cakes to a cooling rack. While they're still warm, dust them with caster sugar or, if you're feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. Now comes the best part – enjoy them! Pair them with a steaming cup of tea, a dollop of clotted cream, or simply savour them on their own.
Tips for Griddle-less Success:
Patience is key: Don't be tempted to rush the cooking process. Low and slow is the way to go for perfectly cooked Welsh cakes.
Keep an eye on the heat: Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning. Every stove is different, so you might need to experiment a bit to find the sweet spot.
Don't overcrowd the pan: Give your Welsh cakes enough space to cook evenly.
Embrace the imperfections: Your griddle-less Welsh cakes might not be perfectly uniform, but that's part of their charm!
So there you have it – proof that you don't need a griddle to enjoy the magic of Welsh cakes. With a little ingenuity and a trusty frying pan, you can create these delicious treats anytime, anywhere. And if you're ever in need of a little inspiration, or simply don't have the time to bake your own, remember that Rogue Welsh Cakes are always here to satisfy your cravings. With our unique flavours and commitment to quality, we bring the taste of Wales straight to your door. Happy baking (or ordering!)