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Cosy Treats - Rock Cakes

I've been seeing and reading a lot of things lately about Hygge, which I've heard described as the feeling or mood created by taking genuine pleasure in the simple things in life.   There's  pictures of cosy knits, warm drinks, soft materials, books and baking.

I think the concept of Hygge is a beautiful one from what I've read so far, it's something I plan to read more on in the coming months.

From what I gather I think a lot of us have higgle in our lives maybe we just don't realise that that is what it is.   I can look back over things my grandparents used to do, like sitting together of an evening reading their books in front of the fire and eating freshly baked cakes or treats.  They just enjoyed those quiet moments together and if they were stressed it wasn't something I ever saw, I saw the quiet relaxed moments and maybe that's what Hygge was for them.

Anyway, I was looking at the pictures of some of the beautiful cakes and biscuits and started thinking about what bakes made me feel comforted.  There are some cakes I associate with winter comfort food and having them with a hot cup of tea or coffee and feeling all warm and satisfied with that little treat.

So here's a recipe for one of my favourite cosy food treats:

Spiced Rock Cakes 




200g Self Raising Flour 
1tsp  Baking Powder 
1& a half tsps of Mixed Spice 
100g Butter 
85g caster sugar 
100g mixed dried fruit 
1 egg (beaten) 
2 tbsp Milk 

sugar and mixed spice for dusting 


1. Heat your over to 160C(fan) or 180C (non fan).  Line two baking sheets with greaseproof paper 

2. Take your butter and cut it in to squares, place in the bowl with the flour, baking soda and mixed spice.   You can use a mixer or just your hands to rub the mixture together to create something that resembles breadcrumbs.  

3.  Add your fruit and sugar and mix in

4. Take your egg and milk and beat together then slowly add to your dry mix. 

5. Once a stiff dough has formed create small golf balls of dough and place on your baking sheets.  You don't have to be neat, they can be rough lumps if you want.  Leave enough space between each one for a little spreading while baking.  

6. Sprinkle the top of each cake with a little sugar and mixed spice 

7. Place in the over for 20-25 minutes, until the cakes are golden brown.  If you like your cakes soft take them out when light gold, if you like a more biscuit texture leave them in a little longer.  


Allow your cakes to cool, or if you're like me and can't wait, make a steaming cup off coffee and enjoy them warm. 



They will last a few days in an air tight tin - if you can leave them alone that long! 

This is an easy recipe that can be adjusted to taste, you can use any dried fruit you like or spice, cinnamon for example is just as warming but gives you a different taste profile.  


I hope you enjoy these sweet treats, let me know what sweet treats you like as comfort food





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