Yorkshire Parkin

Step 1

Generously grease an 8x8 inch baking pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.  Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.

Step 2

Place the medium oatmeal in a large bowl along with the flour, spices, salt and baking powder.

Step 3

In a medium saucepan add the brown sugar, black treacle, golden syrup, butter and lard (if using). Heat the mixture until the sugar is melted (don't boil it) and remove from the heat. Let it cool for 5 minutes.

Step 4

Pour the hot mixture into the dry mixture and stir well to combine. Add the candied ginger, egg and milk and stir well to combine. The batter will be liquid and sticky.

Step 5

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake 70-80 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean. The cake should be fairly firm but springy.  Let the cake cool in the pan.  Invert the cake onto a platter. Peel off the parchment paper. Cut the parkin into squares.Place the squares into an airtight container and let it sit for at least 3 days before eating.  This is critical (see blog post).