[ADSENSE_0000000229]

Banbury Cakes date back to Tudor days, and were originally sold in the city markets from lidded baskets and wrapped in white cloths to keep them warm. Banbury cakes are usually oval. Banbury is also know for the Banbury cross and this famous nursery rhyme:

Ride A Cock Horse To Banbury Cross
To See a Fine Lady Upon a White Horse
With Rings on Her Fingers And Bells on Her Toes
She shall have Music Wherever She Goes.

Banbury Cakes

1 lb. puff pastry
2 oz. butter
4 oz. raisins
4 oz. currants
2 oz. mixed peel
4 oz. brown sugar)
1 level teaspoon allspice
Egg white and berry sugar

Set Oven to 425F.
Melt butter and mix with fruit, peel, sugar and spice together in a bowl, combining well.

Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut into about 16 circles. Divide the fruit mixture evenly between them, then dampen the edges of the pastry circles and pull up into the centre, making sure to seal well. Turn over and gently form the cakes into ovals. Press down very gently with a rolling pin.

Make 3 diagonal cuts across the top of each cake, then brush with egg white and sprinkle with sugar. Place on lightly greased baking trays and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden. Serve slightly warm. Makes about 16.