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The greatest invention since sliced bread but what this little metal mickey gadget in my mixing bowl is called, I have'nt a clue. Anyone who does know please enlighten me by e-mail. Nothing deters me more than rubbing in fat and flour with my fingers on a warm humid day just because hubby fancies rock cakes. When I found this little contraption, I was delighted. Not only does it keep your fingertips clear of muck and bullets - it keeps the mixture aerated, hygienic and most important of all - cool!
Yes cool. we were always warned to rub in as quickly as possible because the heat from our fingers would cause the fat to melt too quickly thus ruining the so desired texture for crumble mix or indeed rock cakes.
Someone didn't need any hi-tech stuff to come up with this simple easy washable metal fat & flour rubbing in thingy, eh? It is indeed a God send! Whoever that someone - is a genius!
And no I'm not on a commission - I simply love it!
Ingredients
8oz SR Flour
1/4 tsp Salt
1/4 tsp Mixed Spice
3oz Butter
3oz Caster Sugar
1 Egg
2 tblsp Milk
Sprinkling of Demerera Sugar
Method
Sift SR Flour, Salt & Mixed Spice into a mixing bowl. Add the butter and if you have my little gem as in the photo or similar - metal rub until your heart is content. Alternatively with clean fingertips rub in very quickly the fat and flour until you form what resembles a fine breadcrumb texture. Stir in the caster sugar and gradually add in beaten egg and milk until a soft dough is formed.
On a greased baking tray form 12-15 piles of the dough about a tblsp in size, sprinkle each one with Demerera Sugar and pop into a preheated oven for 10-15 mins at 190/200 C.
When baked cool on a wire tray. Serve as they are or cut and add butter and Raspberry jam.
Enjoy!
