Easter is incomplete without deviled eggs and Simnel cake. These beloved classic dishes are irresistible for their rich flavors and comforting qualities any day. Here is how to cook succulent deviled eggs.
Simnel cake is a spiced fruit cake popular in medieval times that emerged as a seasonal specialty. Traditionally, this fruit cake is associated with Easter feast. In England and many countries, the homegoing trainees and servants take the cake to their baptismal church on Mothering Sunday.
The flavorful cake, loaded with the richness of dried fruits, is made from butter, flour, sugar, eggs, spices, and orange zest. Layers of marzipan or almond paste distinguish this cake from regular fruit cakes. Also, 11 spheres decorating the traditional Easter cake symbolize the eleven apostles of Jesus.
Facts about Simnel Cake
Here are some surprising facts about simnel cake and its origin:
- The term ‘Simnel cake’ comes from the Latin word “Simila,” meaning “fine flour.”
- It has a fascinating history. Boiling Simnel cake before baking enhances its shelf life. This practice has an interesting folklore attached to it. A couple named Simon and Nelly planned to bake a cake for Easter. They had a long discussion on cake preparation that eventually resulted in an argument. Simon wanted to boil it, whereas Nelly insisted on baking. In the end, the cake was first boiled, followed by baking. This unique method enhances flavors and increases durability.
- The traditional decoration with 11 egg-like marzipan balls symbolizes Jesus’s 11 disciples out of 12. But, some versions use 12-ball decoration, representing the twelfth marzipan ball for Jesus.
- Simnel cake and Mothering Sunday have a strong and inseparable connection, even before becoming an Easter treat.
What is Mothering Sunday?
The fourth Sunday of Lent is known as Mothering Sunday. It is a tradition in the United Kingdom when the live-in trainees and servants return to their mother church. Gradually, the apprentices were given a day off to meet their families and bring gifts to their mothers during medieval times. Today, Mothering Sunday is a global celebration with gifts, cards, and special meals.
Have you participated in this celebration before? We look forward to your feedback; please share your experience in the comments below.
- Every region of England introduced some customization to the original cake recipe. Shrewsbury Simnel from Shropshire, England, has candied lemon peel in the cake. Devizes Simnel originated from Wiltshire and is a true culinary delight. Crafted in a unique star shape, it is glazed after boiling and baking.
Do you know?
Shrewsbury is the birthplace of Charles Darwin.
… And, the more fun fact
Devizes was a key battleground in the Battle of Roundway Down.
- This fruit cake was a staple to celebrate Simnel Sunday or Laetare Sunday, the fourth Sunday of Lent. The fasting rules were relaxed to feasting on richer foods such as Simnel cake.
- Queen Elizabeth I liked this traditional cake, which significantly boosted its popularity among the residents.
