A traditional Easter treat with a celebrity flavour
Home baking enthusiasts can cook up a delicious treat synonymous with Easter, by following celebrity chef Kevin Woodford’s recipe for Simnel cake taken from Loaves, fishes and more – a charity cookbook devised by insurer Congregational & General.
The recipe takes its place in the 128-page publication alongside 70 fabulous dishes, which have been submitted by the general public and church leaders. It also includes other contributions from the star of Channel 4’s Planet Cook and Ready Steady Cook, such as ‘Spicy Lamb Shank’, which serves as a great dish using the meat most associated with Easter.
Recipes for Simnel cake have been around for centuries and Kevin’s version deliciously combines tradition with a spot of indulgence for the Easter period. He said: “I love Easter as it is the time of year when food ingredients seem to be at their freshest and have such a range of beautiful flavours.
“Simnel cake is something I have baked each year for as long as I can remember, not only for its delicious taste, but to acknowledge its symbolism as an Easter icon. Traditionally eleven marzipan balls are placed on the top in a circle to represent one of the main aspects of Christianity - eleven of Jesus’s disciples – with the deceitful Judas Iscariot left out.
“All the recipes included in Loaves, fishes and more are fabulous, but there are some beauties in there, which will provide perfect inspiration for hundreds of cooks out there this Easter.”
With Lent ending on Holy Saturday, a Simnel cake helps mark the end of abstinence for many and gives people a tasty reward for their resolve.
Margaret Slater, Marketing Manager at Congregational & General, added: “There are many interpretations of the symbolism of recipes such as Simnel cake and lamb at Easter time, but Kevin has put his own slant on these dishes which makes them extra special and I’ll be serving them up to my family!
“Loaves, fishes and more was devised to help raise funds for Christian Aid, local churches and charity groups. For every book sold a donation is made to help the vital work of Christian Aid. So, not only will you be able to create some mouth-watering recipes, you can also cook with a conscience by purchasing a copy.”
You can follow the methodology on pages 18 – 21 in Loaves, fishes and more.
Loaves, fishes and more, retails at £11.95 per copy and is available from high street bookshops including Waterstones, as well as eBay and Amazon.
For more information visit: loavesfishesandmore.com
