As a nod to my Welsh heritage, I wish you all a happy St. David's Day!
David is one of those historical figures whose story is as much legend as it is fact. There are stories of miracles and grand deeds that strain credulity. It is probably true that he was of noble birth to Christian parents in the sixth century. He traveled throughout Wales as a priest, establishing churches and raising the ire of pagan leaders who were willing to violently defend their fear-based hold over the people.
He made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem and was there ordained a bishop. Upon his return to Wales, he became a powerful advocate of orthodox doctrine in the Welsh church councils and is credited with suppressing the spread of the Pelagian heresy in Wales.
Like the Irish celebration of their St. Patrick, St. David's Day has become as much a celebration of national identity as it is a religious day. Singing festivals, traditional costumes and traditional foods, such as leek soup are enjoyed. Daffodils, the national flower of Wales, are worn on lapels and decorate tables.
At our American home we always expected Mum to make us Welsh cookies that we call, "pics." I think the name is actually a short form of a long Welsh name. These are cookies with currants and flavored with nutmeg that are rolled out, cut, and then cooked on a griddle. You either love them or well,...don't love them, but at our house we all loved them. If you read on, I will share the recipe my mother wrote while learning to make these cookies from her Welsh mother-in-law, who, of course, had no recipe, but was happy to, "show you how to make them."
3 c. flour
3/4 c. sugar
1/2 t. salt
3 t. baking powder
1 t. nutmeg (I use more.)
3/4 c. shortening (Gramma sometimes used lard.)
1 box currants (Find them near the raisins.)
1 egg
3/4 c. milk
Sift the dry ingredients together. Add shortening and mix with a pastry blender. Add the currants. Beat egg and milk together and add them to the dry ingredients. Roll out the dough to about 3/8 of an inch. Add more flour if necessary, but not too much, as it makes them too dry. Cut out cookies with a round cutter. Grill the cookies on a griddle or frying pan. (I like to use an electric griddle or frying pan set to about 300 degrees F.) When the cookies raise up a bit and look puffy, flip them over to cook the other side. I like them cooked to a light golden brown. Don't overcook them.
I'm consistently amazed at the number of things you and I have in common! I have made "welsh cakes", never heard the term pics but will add it to my vocabulary. Just learned about St. David's Day last year from my smart collegiate son. His professor was talking about it since he is in a St. David's Society or something. Well, Happy St. David's Day to you too, Dory. Wish we could celebrate together with a good Welsh cup o tea!
Posted by: cwv warrior | March 02, 2005 at 09:51 AM