Thursday 1 August 2013

Savoury Cheese Loaf – from my Amazing neighbour Mrs A.

Feedyourinnercook is 1 year old and 70 posts strong. I could not think of a more perfect way to mark the occasion than to warmly share this recipe and story with you - encapsulating our blog’s philosophy perfectly.  Sharing and Caring. 



I am blessed to enjoy the company of two gorgeous, energetic and caring neighbours – both in their 90’s.  This is my opportunity to honour them – especially as they are both about to celebrate their birthdays this month.  My lovely neighbour Mrs A is always baking for visitors and insists on you sharing a cuppa and slice of something just out of the oven when you pop in for a chat.  Whenever I feel tired I only have to look out my window at the pair of them – mowing, weeding and socialising – truly inspiring women with such warm and caring hearts.

Now, my reason for sharing this recipe with you – I answered a knock on the door – Mrs A, with her beaming smile, gave me this Savoury Cheese Loaf wrapped in a towel, the aroma wafting enticingly – and -  her handwritten recipe.  I had been gifted a Recipe Jewel. She touched my heart. 

That moment captures true generosity of heart and spirit – making food for another and sharing a much loved recipe.  And now, I am passing this on to you – for you to share with your loved ones. 

I hope you enjoy and be sure to mention Mrs A when you do – it always tastes better that way.


Happy Birthdays Mrs A and Mrs W! Legendary women.



Preparation  15 minutes
Cooking         55 minutes – 1 hour    and 10 minutes cooling down

Ingredients

½ cup (120 gram) butter – melted and cooled a little

2 Cups Self-Raising Flour  - sifted
½ teaspoon salt
Pinch Cayenne Pepper  - this is strong, don’t overdo, a pinch is enough
1 tablespoon sugar          (Mrs A says it is optional)  I put it in
1 cup grated cheese
½ cup gherkins – drained and finely chopped (approx. 4 depending on size)
1 egg -  beat briefly - just slightly - to break up before adding to mixture
¾ cup milk
Extra grated cheese for sprinkling of top

Method

Preheat oven to 180 o C.
Line a loaf tin approx. 23cm x 14cm.

Sift all the dry ingredients into a large bowl.
Add the melted butter, egg, cheese and gherkins and gently fold through to incorporate all the flour.
Don’t over-work the mixture or the flour with toughen.
Pour into the prepared loaf tin.
Bake for 55 minutes to 1 hour.  Check with a skewer that loaf is cooked through.
Allow to stand in tin for 5 – 10 minutes before turning out and cutting.

Options
You could substitute diced pitted olives for the gherkins
A sprinkle of finely chopped rosemary could be added to the cheese topping.


                                Enjoy!  Colleen      (and of course .....  the lovely Mrs A)



And ....

I would like to share with you a very, very special photo - this is the loaf that Mrs A made for me! and see how much better it looks!


 Thanks Mrs A!   You are a true inspiration - Happy Birthday
and
                                             Enjoy!     Colleen

4 comments:

  1. what lovely neighbours! I had a tear when I was reading your story. I will be sure to call this Mrs A cheese loaf.

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  2. what a lovely story. and her cake look beautiful. I hope I can do this at 90

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  3. read your story and had to post a 'thank you' has made me want to share with my neighburs too

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  4. I dont usually write but this recipe and story needs me to say thank you. Was really nice and glad you have nice naybour

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