Mum’s First Slice

by Vikki White
I wonder why she called it "Mum's First Slice"?

I wonder why she called it “Mum’s First Slice”?

So the Ginger Fluff was a success, it was really light and delicious and it disappeared pretty quick!  The next recipe I found is titled “Mum’s First Slice”.  It is written on a scrap of paper in Nan’s handwriting.  I wonder if it is her Mum’s recipe?  I will investigate and post results tomorrow.

Vikki xxx

Ginger Fluff Sponge Recipe

by Vikki White

Ginger Fluff 2Ginger Fluff Sponge

½ Cup Cornflour

2 Tablespoons Plain Flour

1 Teaspoon Cinnamon

1 Teaspoon Ground Ginger

1 Teaspoon Cocoa

1 ½ Teaspoons Baking Powder

¼ Teaspoon Bi-carb Soda

4 Eggs Separated (room temperature, not from the fridge)

½ Cup Castor Sugar

1 Tablespoon Golden Syrup

  1. Beat egg whites until soft peaks form then slowly add the castor sugar about a tablespoon at a time until all the sugar is dissolved
  2. Add egg yolks one at a time and continue beating until light and fluffy
  3. Sift flours, cocoa, cinnamon, ginger, bi-carb soda and baking powder three times
  4. Gently fold dry ingredients into egg mixture until well combined, lastly adding the golden syrup
  5. Divide mixture between two round cake tins that have been lined with baking paper on the base and well-greased
  6. Bake at 170 c for approx. 25 mins or until cakes spring back when touched
  7. When completely cool, sandwich cakes together with raspberry jam and whipped cream and top with a light dusting of icing sugar
This one is a winner, everyone loves it!

This one is a winner, everyone loves it!

Ginger Fluff

by Vikki White
Ginger Fluff Challenge!

Ginger Fluff Challenge!

It would seem I may have bitten off more than I can chew from the get-go!  For my first recipe I have chosen Aunty Dot’s famous “Ginger Fluff”.  This recipe is written on an old envelope that appears to be some years old as it was at the bottom of the box!  Aunty Dot is Nan’s Sister-in-law, she lives in Tasmania and I have no doubt she’s still making this lovely sponge for her family.

The tricky part of this one is that there is no method written down, it is basically just a list of ingredients.  I will have to wing-it and see what happens.   I am heading off to the supermarket to get the things I need.  I will post results tomorrow.  The journey begins, wish me luck!

Vikki xxx

My Nan

by Vikki White
My lovely Nan

My lovely Nan

My Nan, Betty Bell, died on the 6th of October 2005. She was 80 years old. She was a beautiful Nan and a lovely cook. Lots of my happy memories of Nan involve food. I loved to watch her cook; she was so confident and intuitive. When my wonderful Pop passed away earlier this year I was very lucky to inherit Nan’s treasure trove of recipes. Most are handwritten on the back of envelopes or scraps of paper. Some date back to Nan’s Mother and Mother in law and some are quite recent. There are recipes she has torn out of magazines and recipes that have been sent to her from friends afar.

Some of Nan’s recipes have become family favourites, and although they are not written down, they are firmly embedded in the memories of all the wonderful cooks in my family. Granny Salad, Wine Trifle and Powder Puffs have become the stuff of legend. I am lucky to have had my Grandparents play such a big part in my life and for them to have loved my three daughters as well. I think that Nan would be pleased with this tribute to her and through these recipes I will keep the memory of her alive and tell a little bit of family history.
So here in my Blog, as I cook my way through the hundreds of recipes, I welcome and encourage your input and feedback and hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Vikki xxx

A treasure trove of recipes!

A treasure trove of recipes!