This little gem of a recipe was created during WWII when fuel was being rationed as well as meat, flour and milk.
Himself’s family is older than mine which means that his Grandparents were alive (though young) during WWII. This recipe was born from that era and has been handed down through several generations. After enjoying (more than) a few pieces of it in Himself’s parents house, I’ve nabbed the recipe from his Mam to share with you all as it’s very simple, massively tasty and has a bit of History to it too and lets face it, History is meant to be shared,
(especially when it involves Chocolatey goodness!)
INGREDIENTS
- Butter (8 ounces)
- Sugar (2 tablespoons)
- Egg (1)
- Cocoa (4 tablespoons)
- Vanilla Extract (teaspoon)
- Golden syrup (2 tablespoons)
- Biscuits (1 pound) —> In Ireland they’re called Marietta, in the UK they’re called Marie, in the US they’re called Marias and if all else fails, use Rich Tea biscuits, they’re the closest alternative you’ll find!
- Chocolate (1 large bar)
DIRECTIONS
Cream the butter and sugar in a bowl
Add the egg, cocoa and vanilla extract
Heat the golden syrup (this probably wasn’t heated back in the day, but I used the luxury that is our microwave for a few seconds to make it easier to use!). Pour over the other ingredients already in the bowl and mix well.
Break up all the biscuits (either by hand or with a plastic bag and a wooden spoon!)
Combine the biscuits into your mixture. I bow down to the strength of the women who made this cake sans electrical help – they were clearly made of tougher stuff than I am because I had to use my hand-held mixer to get the job done – seriously people, I don’t know how they managed without, it must have taken AGES!
Add the biscuit pieces a little at a time to make sure the mixture thoroughly coats all of them
Put the mixture into a cake tin of your choosing – shape doesn’t matter as you’ll be chopping up the finished product anyway.
Use the back of a spatula, wooden spoon or ordinary everyday spoon and push the mixture downwards until it’s compact. Leave the cake tin in the fridge for an hour.
Break up and melt your chocolate (again I succumbed to our microwave!), as in previous recipes I’ve mentioned, make sure you take this step slowly – 30 secs at a time usually does the trick, take the cake tin out of the fridge and pour the melted chocolate over the top
Smooth it out, bask in it’s gloriousness (try your best not to dribble) and return to the fridge until set
Just look at it – om nom nom nom!
Chop up and enjoy, I like to have a side of raspberries with mine – cause I’m fancy like that! 😉
For those of you who are fellow coffee drinkers – this combo is just the business!
Rxx
Oh my god this looks so yummy!
http://www.dizzymisselizabeth.co.uk
That has got ‘eat me’ written all over it! (P.s. brilliant photos too!!) xo
http://www.lovedbylaura.com
This looks amazing! I’ll have to try a gluten free version and let you know how it turns out. The raspberries are a must (with everything sweet ever) and all hail the power if the microwave and electric mixer.
Thank you for sharing and I love the history of the recipe.
Tammi
Author
Hi Tammi
Please do let me know how it turns out for you!
Rxx
GORGEOUS photos oh my gosh, whenever I cook and take pictures I always end up with flour all over the lens!
xx
Author
Thanks Kate!
Rxx
That looks delicious!
@WanderLustGirls
http://www.thewanderlustgirls.com
Also with fat, very cold milk and a book of Apollinaire`s poetry, because he was a soldier during WWI… I love Your photos and raspberries too 🙂
your photos are fantastic! plus these look SO delicious, I love a family recipe! Might have to steal this from you also! So tasty.
Author
Thanks so much Lucia!
Let me know how it turns out for you 🙂
Rxx
Your photos are great and this looks delicious!
xx
http://www.theblackblush.blogspot.pt
Author
Thanks so much Adriana!
Rxx
I can’t even begin to express how delicious these look! I wish I had a little time to make them soon! xox
Seriously dying right now. These look phenomenal!
Oh my goodness! Looks delish! A must try!
xo | The Fashion Forecast
It looks soooo tasty!!!!! <3
Those look so amazing!
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