Cooking Together a little taste of tradition and bonfire night treats

We had a bit of a Bonfire Night theme at Cooking Together this week, making our very own Cornish pasties and cheese and onion pasties.

A big well done to Christabel, Alan and Kevin, who had a go at making pastry for the very first time and did a brilliant job! Well done to everyone else for all the preparation that went into the food.

Pastry Making

Then it was time for something sweet, with some of Lily's lovely homemade parkin. But who is Lily, we hear you ask? Well, there's a lovely little story behind this recipe!

Ruth's mum, Irene, always used this recipe to make her parkin. It originally belonged to Lily, Irene's best friend from childhood. They grew up together, shared a lifelong friendship and were even bridesmaids for each other.

Ruth still uses Lily's recipe to this day, and now we've adopted it here at The West End Centre too. So, a little piece of friendship and family history is being passed on, one slice of parkin at a time.

Ruth with Lily's Parkin made by the cooking group

We are sharing the recipe with you below if you would like to try it at home,

Another great session, full of chatting, sharing skills, trying something new and, of course, plenty of tasty food!

Lily’s Parkin

In a bowl

·       2 cups of self raising flour

·       1 cup sugar

·       1 tablespoon of ginger

In a pan

·       4oz (114g) Margarine or butter

·       2 Tablespoons of golden syrup

·       1 cup of milk

In a cup

·       1 egg

·       1 teaspoon of bicarb of soda

·       1 teaspoon of vinegar

1.       Melt pan ingredients and bring to the boil

2.       Add pan ingredients to the bowl and beat

3.       Beat cup ingredients, add to bowl and beat

4.       Pour into a greased tin and bake on gas mark 3 (150c in a fan oven) for 45 mins to 1 hour

Join us next week cooking group will be making bread using Kittys bread kits, Want to join us call into the centre or ring us on 07503184713 to book your place. . 12th November at 10am.