Sally Lunn (as Aunt Sarah Made It) Recipe

Sally Lunn, a beloved British classic, is a sweet and buttery bread-like cake that has been enjoyed for centuries. This delightful treat is named after a famous culinary figure from the 18th century, Sally Lunn. Legend has it that Sally, a young French Huguenot refugee, settled in the city of Bath, England, where she began baking this delectable creation.

Aunt Sarah, known for her mastery in the kitchen, has passed down her treasured recipe for Sally Lunn, capturing the essence of this historic delicacy. To bring Aunt Sarah's version of Sally Lunn to life, you will need the following ingredients:

- 1 cup of sweet milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoonful of butter
- 3 tablespoonfuls of sugar
- Flour to make a stiff batter (around 2-3/4 cups or almost three cups)
- 3 scant teaspoonfuls of baking powder, sifted with the flour

Now, let's dive into the journey of creating Aunt Sarah's delightful Sally Lunn:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a round cake pan by greasing it lightly with butter or oil.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine the sweet milk, eggs, melted butter, and sugar. Beat them together until well blended and the sugar has dissolved completely.

3. Sift the flour and baking powder together in a separate bowl. Gradually add the sifted flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing well after each addition. Continue adding flour until the batter reaches a stiff consistency.

4. Once the batter has reached the desired consistency, pour it into the prepared cake pan. Smooth the surface to create an even layer.

5. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should turn a lovely golden brown color.

6. Once baked, remove the Sally Lunn from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

7. When the Sally Lunn has cooled, it is ready to be served. This delightful cake-like bread is best enjoyed fresh and warm, making it a perfect substitute for lunchtime bread. Slice it into thick, pillowy wedges and savor the sweet aroma as you indulge in its buttery goodness.

Now that you have mastered Aunt Sarah's Sally Lunn recipe, let's explore some interesting facts about this beloved treat:

- Sally Lunn is traditionally served with clotted cream or butter and jam. The combination of the warm bread with the richness of cream and sweetness of jam creates a heavenly flavor.

- In Bath, England, you can visit the famous Sally Lunn's Historic Eating House, where you can indulge in a classic Sally Lunn bun that still follows the original 300-year-old recipe.

- The Sally Lunn bun is so iconic in Bath that it has become the subject of Bath Buns, a popular nursery rhyme.

Similar recipes to Sally Lunn from various culinary traditions include:

1. Brioche: This French pastry is known for its rich, buttery taste and light, fluffy texture. Brioche is often enjoyed with a spread of jam or as a base for various sweet and savory dishes.

2. Panettone: A traditional Italian Christmas bread, panettone is a sweet, aromatic treat that is enjoyed during the holiday season. It is often filled with dried fruits, nuts, and sometimes even chocolate.

3. Challah: A Jewish egg bread, challah is a slightly sweet and braided loaf that is typically enjoyed during Sabbath and festive occasions. It is often enriched with eggs and has a soft, tender crumb.

4. Zopf: Zopf, also known as Swiss braided bread, is a traditional Swiss bread that is similar to challah. It is often served for breakfast or brunch and is enjoyed with butter, cheese, or jam.

These delightful bread-like cakes have been captivating taste buds around the world for generations. Whether you're enjoying Sally Lunn in Bath or recreating Aunt Sarah's recipe at home, these treats are sure to bring joy and satisfaction to all who indulge in their timeless flavors.