[Sca-cooks] semmel?

[Decker, Terry D.]

Simnel is specifically controlled under the Assize of Bread and Beer (13th
Century) which is why I think it may represent an enriched loaf which
evolved into a cake.

During Elizabeth's reign, bakers were prohibited from baking simnel  except
for a couple holy days (one being Easter) and for funerals, because the
proper weight of the simnel could not be assured (it was probably marzipan
filled at this point).

There is a 17th Century recipe available.

I'll post the quotes legal prohibitions when I can get to the files they're
in.

Bear

> More info on this Simnel cake, please. Both on this tradition of the
> serving girls going home at this time and this Simnel cake itself.
>
> Do you happen to have a recipe for this cake? Either original or
> redacted? (Typically this list, and the SCA, uses the term 'redacted'
> to mean converting an original recipe into a recipe in modern form
> givming amounts and perhaps more specific directions.)
>
> Thanks,
>   Stefan
>