The Parliament cake, which was made in the old days for holidays. It was always on people’s tables, no matter how poor they were

It’s fascinating how certain recipes become ingrained in cultural memory, especially those associated with holidays and traditions. When discussing “Parliament cake,” it’s important to note that the term can refer to different kinds of baked goods in various regions. Here’s a breakdown of what I’ve found:

“Parliament Cake” and Regional Variations:

• Scottish “Parlies”:
  • In Scotland, “parlies” are often described as a type of ginger and treacle biscuit or cake.
  • They have a historical connection to street vendors in Edinburgh.
  • Recipes typically include ingredients like:
    • Flour
    • Butter
    • Brown sugar
    • Treacle (or molasses)
    • Ginger
  • These are often quite crisp, and have a dark, rich, spicy flavor.
• Canadian “Lafayette Cake”:
  • In Quebec, there’s a tradition of “Lafayette cake,” which has historical connections and was found in older recipe collections.
  • This is more of a sponge cake type cake, often with a jam filling.
• Welsh Cakes:
  • While not directly called a parliament cake, welsh cakes are a very common traditional baked good, that would have been very common on peoples tables. They are a griddle cake, containing, flour, butter, sugars, and dried fruits.

General Characteristics of “Old-Days” Holiday Baking:

• Simple Ingredients: Historically, recipes often relied on readily available and inexpensive ingredients.
• Hearty and Filling: Baked goods were often meant to be substantial, providing sustenance during celebrations.
• Traditional Flavors: Spices like ginger, cinnamon, and treacle were common, adding warmth and depth of flavor.
• Community and Tradition: Baking was often a communal activity, with recipes passed down through generations.

It’s likely that the “Parliament cake” you’re thinking of has its own regional variations and family traditions. These recipes often hold sentimental value, reminding us of simpler times and cherished memories.