Croeso Again (That’s “Welcome” in Welsh). My name is Denise Carbone, formerly Denise McCarthy from Wales, UK. My husband Joe and I run The Welsh Baker here in SCV. We are America’s premiere purveyors of Welsh Cakes, an ancient Celtic treat from Wales that is hand griddled as opposed to baking.
The question I am most often asked is “What makes a Welsh Cake a Welsh Cake?” My simple answer is: It’s griddled and not baked. Not many bakery items are griddled, in fact, most people can’t name even a single other similarly ready-to-eat griddled bakery item.
Another question I’m commonly asked is “How are they eaten?” The answer is “Any way you want.” They are sweet but not overly sweet, which makes them a versatile addendum to any meal. They’re a quick on-the-go snack, too. They go well with jam, lemon curd, ice cream, brie or just warmed a little bit and eaten alone. They are really the perfect little snack to satisfy without stuffing. Welsh Cakes are lower in calories and fat than you might expect too, a single welsh cake from our recipe is only 80 to 110 calories and less than 30 percent fat.
The most interesting question I am asked is “Why are Welsh Cakes Griddled?” Back in the really old days, before electricity, in the time of three digit years and well before ovens were invented, people still ate breads and cakes; they just cooked in different ways. In those days, people cooked in the kitchen fireplace over an open flame using a flat iron griddle or bakestone. Since Welsh Cakes were around before the advent of baking, griddling was the only way you could have cooked them back then. Griddling dough produces a pleasant and interesting texture that baking cannot duplicate. Yes, it’s harder to do but some things are worth the extra effort… like Welsh Cakes.
Order online at www.welshbaker.com – we ship nationally every day. Local SCV residents can save 10 percent using coupon code SCVLOCAL. Free samples and fresh made cakes are available every day and online orders can be picked up at any Coffee Kiosk location or at our booth at the Newhall Main Street Farmers Market on Thursdays 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Look for us at the Santa Clarita Fine Craft Show, November 12 and 13 in Old Orchard Park.
Mwynhau! (That’s Enjoy! in Welsh)
Available at Coffee Kiosk drive-thru locations in SCV. For more information, please call 877-WelshBaker (935-7422) and visit www.welshbaker.com.