Welsh Treats

I’ve always wanted to try Welsh Cakes, and I had the opportunity to do so from a food booth at a literary festival.

They were offered by a baking company started by a family who had migrated to the United States from Wales, so it was good that it was authentic.

Welsh cakes are a traditional treat from Wales. They are made from simple ingredients like flour, sugar, milk and butter. Some family recipes might add currants or spices. The unique thing about these cakes is that they are not baked, but cooked on a griddle.

I tasted the Welsh cakes with the classic traditional flavor. It had a “less crumbly” texture than scones, and had a creamy taste with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg.

The cakes can eaten plain, or with butter and jam. I tried the cakes plain, and also with a little butter for topping. Either way, I really enjoyed them.

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A Sweet Tooth = Nice People

I came across an interesting study which indicates that people with a sweet tooth are nicer people.

Researchers from North Dakota State University and Gettysburg College reported in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology that people with a sweet tooth tend to be more agreeable and also more willing to help others.

Well, I sat down and thought about all the people I know known for their sweet tooth, and I think there might be some truth in this correlation.

But then again, I might be a tad biased as in our family we have had three generations of folks with a sweet tooth, and needing a dessert or a touch of sweet to end lunch or dinner.

And I am one of them. Sometimes, fruit can do the job, but definitely not all the time. We need a real dessert made with sugar and everything nice that comes with it. It could be something simple like a piece of chocolate or something more elaborate like the traditional Malay cakes.

One of my Mother’s favorites was ice cream with canned fruit cocktail. This dessert reminds me of the 70s, and sometimes, I serve it with vanilla ice cream for a bit of retro fun.

I like the traditional Malay name for dessert pencuci mulut, which is translated to mean something to cleanse the palate. It sounds courtly, and also makes it sound as if dessert has a beneficial function!

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