Cornish Hevva Cake

Ingredients

• 250g (2 cups) all-purpose flour 250g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
• 125g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, cold and cubed 125g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 125g (1/2 cup) lard, cold and cubed 125g (1/2 cup) lard, cold and cubed
• 100g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar 100g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 100g (2/3 cup) currants 100g (2/3 cup) currants
• 100g (2/3 cup) raisins 100g (2/3 cup) raisins
• 1 teaspoon mixed spice (a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice) 1 teaspoon mixed spice (a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice)
• 1 egg, beaten 1 egg, beaten
• 2 tablespoons milk 2 tablespoons milk

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 9g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 38g, 16g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a round cake tin.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, butter, lard, sugar, and salt. Rub the fats into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
3. 3.
   Add the currants, raisins, and mixed spice to the bowl and mix well.
4. 4.
   Make a well in the center of the mixture and pour in the beaten egg and milk. Stir until the dough comes together.
5. 5.
   Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for a minute.
6. 6.
   Roll out the dough into a circle about 1cm (1/2 inch) thick and place it in the prepared cake tin.
7. 7.
   Use a knife to create a crisscross pattern on top of the cake, resembling fishing nets.
8. 8.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown.
9. 9.
   Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Currants — Ensure the currants are well-distributed throughout the dough for a burst of fruity flavor in every bite.
• Mixed spice — If you don't have mixed spice, you can create your own blend using equal parts cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.

Tips & Tricks

• For a twist, add a handful of chopped almonds or walnuts to the fruit mixture.
• Serve the Cornish Hevva Cake warm with a dollop of clotted cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent treat.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Slice the Cornish Hevva Cake into wedges and serve it as a delightful afternoon tea treat or as a dessert after a hearty English meal.

Presentation advice

Present the Cornish Hevva Cake on a rustic cake stand or a traditional Cornishware plate to showcase its homemade charm. Dust the top with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.