Rascals Wonderful

[Jomega Gibson]

Ihave never heard of 'fat rascals' before, but I have seen Betty's Tea Rooms. I'm making this recipe for sure! They're so cute. I think the almonds make them look like chubby men with moustaches. Glad you enjoyed my post about England Barns this morning. Have a great weekend, Jean!

Can't imagine why you should think I would know about fat rascals! A delicacy of Yorkshire and the north east, I know the term came into use in the mid-19th century, but don't know it's original derivation. Can you shed any clues?

Apron on tomorrow!

Gerry @pundles

Gerry, I have no idea about the original derivation. I hope someone will be able to tell us. But, yes, do get your apron (a Scottish friend says "pinny") on tomorrow and give them a try. You might also like my scones.

HaHahaHa! Never heard of fat rascals---but love the name so will have to try. Love your non-perfectionist commentary of how like a good farmwife (or farm wife)you are practical--and use what you have if you don't have what the recipe calls for---or if changes will add flavor.

I'm not a scone lover--but my hubby is. Maybe I'll serve him up a batch of fat rascals--just like his wife!

Thanks, Susan! I'm always pleased to have readers share my posts on any or all of the social media options, even though I may not have the sharing tool on my blog (simply because I'm sooooo low tech)!

I've never even heard of a fat rascal before... well other than when my dad called my cat that about two years ago :) I would not turn them away though, if they are close to scones, I'm in. Can I order a few for delivery :)

Yeah! Thought I was going to be shut out on comments, and even though I don't like/eat many biscuit/buns/breads this one appeals to me. It just looks like the right texture. I'm thinking if it was baked at too high a temp it might come out a little crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. That would make it even more appealing to me. But the thing that puts it over the top is the name FAT RASCALS? Inspired. And Bettys -- no apostrophe -- makes it even better. 5 Cleavers!

Absolutely love the title, Jean, Fat Rascals. However if I was to call any child I have taught that name, I would be hauled over the coals, reprimanded and most likely sacked Ha! Ha!

Have a great day,

Tony

PS Betty's Tea Rooms ( Betty as in Elizabeth. Do you use that form in the States?

Near where I live over in Richmond upon Thames there is a world famous tea rooms called The Maids of Honour. They too have their world renowned tea cake.

Here is a link.

PPS Actually come to think of it, the prevalant phrase these days in England is "Fat Bastard." I think that has got a, lets say, more biting edge to it don't you think? It's usually targeted at opposing football supporters.

Tony, thank you! Actually, the prevalent phrase in England is also prevalent here! In fact, a young friend shared with me a bottle of wine carrying that name!

Yes, Elizabeths here sometimes go by Betty. My English grandmother Elizabeth always insisted on Elizabeth.

The Maids of Honour has long been on my list of must-do-next-times. In the meantime, I must work up a recipe for the maids! Thanks for the reminder and the URL which I will enjoy looking at with my elevenses.

I love your blog, Jean! It's very clean, inviting, fun, and the photos are gorgeous.

Would you have any interest in writing a guest post for my blog, www.PictureBritain.com (I believe you've visited it before)? Every Saturday I post about British food, including fun facts and/or recipes. Please contact me if you're interested: picturingbritain [at] gmail [dot] com.

Thank you!

Haha, that name is awesome! Loving it :) They look great - they remind me a bit of something called "rock cakes" - have you heard of/tried them before? I feel like I should get back to my "roots" and cook more Brit stuff sometimes, because we do have some awesome things... especially in the cake/cookie division :)

Thanks, Charles! Yes, it is a great name, isn't it! I've heard of rock cakes, but I've never had them. I'll probably get around to them eventually. You make a wonderful variety of things; if only we had time to make everything that pops into our heads.

Oh goodness Jean...haven't made...or had these...for a few years. My father-in-law was from Yorkshire, so they were made in his family and I inherited a recipe through his sister. Lovely! Have a wonderful week and thanks for linking to Tuesday Cuppa Tea!

Ruth

The origin of the name is unknown, but they are thought to have been made since the mid-19th Century under the name of Fat Rascals, although the original recipe is thought to be Elizabethan.

A poignant historical note: A few years after Bettys opened its doors in York the 2nd world war broke out; Bettys Bar which was situated in the basement of the York Tea Rooms became a favourite haunt of thousands of airmen stationed in and around York.

My take on the famous Betty's Fat Rascals; Fat Rascals are a cross between a bun and a scone, more like a rock cake, and are delicious when enjoyed with an afternoon cuppa. The origin of the name is unknown, but they are thought to have been made since the mid-19th Century under the name of Fat Rascals, although the original recipe is thought to be Elizabethan.

4. Mix the egg yolk and water together to make a glaze and brush this over the fat rascals. Decorate with the cherries and almonds - see photos. Transfer to a non-stick baking tray and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

The origin of the name is unknown, but they are thought to have been made since the mid-19th Century under the name of Fat Rascals, although the original recipe is thought to be Elizabethan.

They originate from Yorkshire and Durham, and are very popular in most bakeries in the North East of England.

Other names for Fat Rascals are thought to be North Riding Turf Cakes, little cakes made with the leftovers of dough or pastry at the end of the day and cooked over turf fires.

Love this recipe, being able to make these in New Zealand is amazing. Have you managed to create a recipe for Bettys Bury Simnels yet? I never tried them but very keen to make some as mu hubby said they were yummy.

Having never tried the Easter favourite, what are the flavours of the simnals? I tried a recipe yesterday but was very bland. Would the rascal recipe but with mixed spice, cinnamon, cloves, orange zest be on the right path for the flavour?

I love these wonderful old recipes for traditional cakes that could be forgotten. Your Fat Rascals look delicious stuffed with shiny cherries and almonds a must for tea. Mr Glam would love them. Love your photos too. GG

These look a lot more delicious than the real thing which I saw on a video the other day. Mind you, she did say that she would have preferred them to have had chocolate chips in rather than dried fuit, where as I definately would not.

Was also reading about how a differnt bakery has been forced to call its version Whitby faties. It seemed very churlish to be honest. As the Whitby fatties also looked nicer, should I ever be in passing I think I would buy the Whitby fatties. I will definitely be making your version though, as after Christmas I happen to have all the ingredients which makes me happy. Thank you for the recipe.

I too am very angry with the stance that Bettys took against the small Whitby bakery who was selling Fat Rascals, now renamed Whitby Fatties, and I am unsure how Bettys managed to copyright the recipe name of Fat Rascals, which in my opinion, is not theirs to copy right!

That is GREAT news Alison!

I am waiting for a new print run on my book, and my publisher has said hopefully in September. It sold out faster than we thought, and the original printers is not longer in operation.

Karen

Born from her eponymous award winning blog this book contains 160 unique recipes, all beautifully photographed by the author. They showcase the breadth and depth of her travel. Karen has lived and travelled all over the world and has brought some of her favourite recipes, experiences, and memories to share here with her readers. Buy my Book HERE

This was a time when I thought the ideal romantic relationship was Cathy and Heathcliff and the notion of falling in love with someone through their words seemed like the most wonderful thing in the world.

First published in 1978, the autobiographical book, set in a perfectly captured post-Blitz London, is the poetic and splintered thoughts of a 31 year old woman. As she struggles to bring up four children by her absent lover she muses on the passionate relationship of her youth that has now brought her to where she is today.

Despite the subject matter, this is not a depressing book. There is a passion and ferocity of spirit here that feels hopeful for the future. Smart is self-aware enough to know that her experience is a universal one.

She finds fulfilment in her work, in her moments of peace when she can write, in her time with her children and with her friends, the rogues and rascals of the title, whose generosity of spirit buoy her up when times are difficult.

Like By Grand Central Station, this novel feels almost like a prose poem. It is a memoir of fragments, a collage of connected thoughts and moments with no overarching narrative structure, but a series of vignettes that create a humane, powerful atmosphere. Casual rhymes give certain passages the echoes of poetry and the novel is heavy with repetition and replete with imagery. It may not have the overwrought operatics of its predecessor, but in my mind that makes Rogues and Rascals a more powerful book.

Grand Central Station is a book that I have always known about but somehow not got round to reading. It sounds as though I might have missed my time with that but I shall certainly look out for a copy of Rougues and Rascals. My own ties were very different, but equally as real.

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