Food, Glorious Food!' as they sing in the musical Oliver. In a list of things which trigger our memories of the past, the evocative sights smells and tastes of food must come near the top.
Food takes us through the seasons - from the roast turkey, pudding and cake which we're just recovering from, through to the sandwiches of summer picnics and the fruits and pickles of the autumn, we recall family gatherings and special occasions from the past.
Do you have a traditional family recipe which has been passed down through the generations or memories of popular meals that we seldom eat today? Rabbit pie or junket for our more senior readers, prawn cocktalk and black forest gateau for a less 'mature' generation; and what will it be in the future - perhaps burgers and pizzas will be stirring up some memories!
At our Memory Cafe sessions we really enjoy our homemade refreshments and here is a recipe for our savoury cheese biscuit that is always popular and came from a wartime recipe book. Perhaps you'd like to give it a try - it may even be added to your favourite recipes for future bakes!
Cheese Biscuits
This makes plenty so you might want to halve the ingredients.
Ingredients
8oz (200g) plain flour 1 teaspoon salt
6oz (150g) butter or hard margarine good pinch dry mustard
6oz (150g) grated cheddar cheese 1 egg (beaten)
Method
1. Pre-heat oven to 200oC (180oC fan)
2. Sieve together flour, salt and mustard into a basin
3. Run in butter until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Stir in the grated cheese.
4. Bind ingredients together with beaten egg. Knead lightly. If wished, the mixture can be chilled in the firidge for an hour to ease rolling.
5. Roll mixture out on a floured board to 1/8th inch (3mm) thickness and cut into circles/shapes, or strips for cheese straws.
6. Bake for approximately 10-15 minutes until golden brown. Serve hot or cold. Enjoy!
