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Bettys is a Yorkshire institution, an old-fashioned tea room bursting with tradition and delicious offerings to tempt. One of the most famous cakes they sell is the Fat Rascal, think of it as a cross between a scone and a rock cake served warm with butter. The family recipe is a highly guarded secret but when I set off to Bettys HQ near Harrogate, I wondered if it might be my lucky day, would I manage to source the secret recipe?
Bettys is a Yorkshire institution, an old-fashioned tea room bursting with tradition and delicious offerings to tempt. One of the most famous cakes they sell is the Fat Rascal, think of it as a cross between a scone and a rock cake served warm with butter. The family recipe is a highly guarded secret but when I set off to Bettys HQ near Harrogate, I wondered if it might be my lucky day, would I manage to source the secret recipe?
The bakery is impressive. Everything is baked to order and it really is just a scaled-up version of a home kitchen, the only difference being the huge ovens and the daunting quantities of ingredients. As we walked around, enjoying the warmth and homely smells of spice, we passed gigantic slabs of icing-topped cream slice, rows of Barbara Cartland pink macaroons, families of chocolate mice and dainty fancies with delicate decorations, hand finished and ready to be dispatched.
Giant icing-topped cream slice
Then we reached the Fat Rascals area. I was encouraged to join in with the mixing and shaping, surely I needed the recipe to be of help? Alas, no. I was allowed to shape and top the rascals with their signature blanched almonds (always three) and cherries (always two halves) but that's where it ended.
Fat Rascals ready for the oven with their signature blanched almonds
Back at home, I was determined to crack my own version and, after a few phone calls to Yorkshire-based relatives, I had a recipe based on one from a family friend. Give them a try and let us know what you think – and if you're in Yorkshire, don't miss a visit to Betty's to try the real McCoy.
Serves: 12
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