The Great British Eccles Cake

There are few things more quintessentially British than an Eccles Cake. They are quite simply a great British institution. I absolutely adore them!! This recipe was created by the Michelin starred chef Marcus Waring, especially for the Great British Menu competition. The pastry takes a little time, but it really is worth taking the time and effort to achieve that perfect flaky buttery deliciousness. Of course if it really is too much trouble you can substitute store bought puff or rough puff pastry. Go on treat yourself to a taste of Great Britain with your cup of Earl Grey tea! Timings do not include chilling times!

• Ready In: 2 hrs 15 mins
• Yields: 12 cakes

Ingredients

• 8  ounces plain flour
• 1  pinch salt
• 5 3⁄4 ounces  chilled unsalted butter, divided
• 4 -5  tablespoons water

• FILLING

• 1  ounce  soft unsalted butter
• 4  ounces caster sugar
• 7  ounces currants
• 2  ounces  chopped  candied peel
•  freshly grated nutmeg

• TOPPING

•  milk
•  granulated sugar

Directions

1. Sift the flour and salt together in a large bowl.
2. Dice 1/2 of the chilled butter; rub it into the flour using your hands.
3. Add just enough cold water (4-5 tablespoons) to bring it together into a soft dough.
4. Cover with cling film and chill for 30 minutes.
5. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into an oblong approx 20cm x 10cm.
6. Cut the remaining chilled butter into thin slices; cover the middle third of the dough with 1/3 of the slices; fold the unbuttered thirds of dough over the buttered third; first one, then the other, making a square.
7. Cover and chill for 15 minutes.
8. Repeat two more times, turning the block of dough 90 degrees each time and chilling between each rolling.
9. Repeat two more times without the butter; chill for 30 minutes.
10. Preheat oven to 240°C /465°F/ gas mark 8.
11. Line a sheet with parchment paper.
12. Cream together 1 oz soft butter and caster sugar; add currants, candied peel and nutmeg.
13. Roll out the pastry until 1/4" thick.
14. Cut out 12 x 7cm discs.
15. Spoon the filling into the centre of each disc.
16. Brush the edges with water, then pull the edges into the centre and pinch them together to seal.
17. Turn cakes over; place on the baking tray.
18. Push cakes down lightly to slightly flatten them.
19. With a sharp knife make three short incisions in the top of each cake.
20. Brush tops with a little milk; sprinkle liberally with granulated sugar.
21. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until edges turn golden brown.