Mabel makes lots of cakes for everybody, even Gary. She used to have her own teashop, where all the teapots wore 'tea-pot hats'.
My stuffing doesn't need cake but all the allotmenteers seem to like Mabel's cakes. Mabel would make you a cake if she could but they wouldn't travel well, so she is giving me her recipes to share:
Flapjacks
These are Molly's favourite. Mabel thinks that 'butter is best for cakes' although she did tell me you could use margarine, 'but its quite a different taste dear.' You can use any kind of butter - Mabel uses goat's butter because cow's milk doesn't suit Molly.
Ginger Fairings
This is an old cornish recipe from Mabel's Grandmother. They're easy to make and keep well in an airtight tin.
Rhubarb Cake
Mabel says its best to prepare the topping first and then the actual cake mixture. Once baked it's likes to be to be kept in a cool place and eaten within four days. Gary's assistant really likes this cake because it' 'so moist' and 'blends sweet and sharpness.' Mr Stanford still thinks rhubarb is best in chutney.
Mr Stanfod's uncooked Rhubarb Chutney
After making, you have to wait three months before you can start eating. The recipe makes 9 1lb jars and will keep well for up to a year.
Strawberry Cake
This is a Victoria Sandwich with a filling of fresh strawberries. Mabel says it is very nice for a picnic.
Courgette Cake
Moist and very tasty with a cream cheese and lime topping. Keep somewhere cool or in the fridge for up to four days.
Rock Buns
Easy to do and children like making and eating them.
Jam thumb biscuits
A lovely way to put your favourite jam into biscuits.
Christmas Cake
This is an old recipe that Mabel's mother used. It needs to be kept for 2-3 weeks before eating and Mr S says it's best without icing -he thinks that spoils the taste.
Dundee Cake
Duffus's favourite cake. Will keep well for up to two weeks in an air tight tin.
Honey and Raisin Bars
Quick and easy to make. Will keep up to 10 days in an air tight container
Sultana and Orange Cake
A nice moist cake that goes well with a cup of tea on a winter's afternoon
Pumpkin Muffins
These are simply delicious and full of goodness. Very moist and will keep well in an air tight tin for up to five days - if you can resist them that long.
Fruit loaf
This is like a boiled fruit cake; very quick to make and keeps well for a week.
Plum & Apple Chutney
This is Mabel's favourite; a light bodied but full favoured old fashioned English chutney
Beetroot Chutney
This is Mr Stanford's grand-dad's recipe; great with cheese