Cherry Roley-poley Recipe

History of Cherry Roley-poley:

Cherry Roley-poley, also known as Cherry Roly-Poly or Cherry Swiss Roll, is a classic British dessert that has been enjoyed for many generations. Its origins can be traced back to the 19th century, and the recipe has been passed down through families ever since. This delightful dessert is made by rolling a rich baking-powder biscuit dough around a layer of sweet and juicy stewed cherries, resulting in a deliciously comforting treat.

Fun Facts about Cherry Roley-poley:

1. The name "roley-poley" refers to the rolling process involved in making the dessert. The dough is rolled out, filled, and then carefully rolled up to create a cylindrical shape.

2. In some versions of the recipe, the cherries are pitted before being stewed and spread over the dough. This helps to ensure a smoother texture and makes it easier to eat.

3. The use of a cloth and thread to encase the cherry-filled dough is a traditional method of cooking, as it allows the dough to expand and rise during steaming while keeping the cherries securely inside.

4. Cherry Roley-poley is often served with cream or a sweet sauce, such as custard or homemade cherry syrup, to enhance its flavor and add a touch of decadence.

Now, let's dive into the recipe for this delightful treat:

Cherry Roley-Poley Recipe:

Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 3/4 cup milk
- 4 cups pitted cherries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar until well combined.

2. Add the chilled butter to the dry mixture and use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3. Gradually add the milk to the dry mixture, stirring with a fork until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix.

4. Lightly flour a clean surface and transfer the dough onto it. Knead the dough a few times to bring it together, then roll it out into a rectangle approximately two-thirds of an inch thick.

5. In a separate saucepan, stew the pitted cherries with sugar over medium heat until the cherries release their juices and become tender. Adjust the sweetness according to your preference.

6. Spread the stewed cherries thickly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent the cherries from spilling out.

7. Carefully roll the dough, starting from one of the longer edges, into a tight cylinder. Take care to keep the cherries intact within the dough as you roll.

8. Place a clean cloth on a plate and transfer the rolled-up dough onto it. Wrap the cloth around the dough, ensuring it is tightly secured, and loosely sew it with coarse thread. Leave room for the dough to expand while steaming.

9. Fill a steamer pot or a large pot with water and bring it to a simmer. Place the wrapped dough in the steamer and steam for approximately 1 and a half hours, or until the dough is cooked through and springy to the touch.

10. Carefully remove the Cherry Roley-poley from the steamer, unwrap the cloth, and let it cool slightly before slicing.

11. Serve the Cherry Roley-poley in thick slices, accompanied by a drizzle of cream or your preferred sauce. Enjoy the combination of fluffy biscuit dough and sweet, juicy cherries!

Similar Recipe Dishes:

- Strawberry Roll: Substitute the cherries with fresh strawberries, and proceed with the same recipe to create a delicious Strawberry Roley-poley.

- Apple Cinnamon Roll: Replace the cherries with thinly sliced apples tossed with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. The warm and comforting flavors of apple and cinnamon will make for a delightful variation.

- Raspberry Swirl Roll: Instead of spreading the cherries over the dough, puree fresh raspberries and swirl it into the dough before rolling it up. This will create a beautiful and tasty raspberry-filled variation.

These similar recipe dishes offer a wide range of flavors and can be enjoyed with different fruits based on personal preference. Experiment with different fillings and enjoy the delightful world of rolled dessert delights!