Just Desserts: Rock Cake

The History

Rock Cakes are a traditional British cake (Although, as a Canadian that feels wrong to type as it feels like more of a cookie or scone),that were popular during the second World War because of its frugality of ingredients that were being rationed. The recipe was originally published in 1861 in Mrs. Beetons Recipe Book. Quite a few of the original settlers came from areas like England, so today let’s have that inspire our history today by looking back at the European settlement of Pitt Meadows.

Originally, the only inhabitants of the area that would become Pitt Meadows were the Katzie First Nation. They have been here since time immemorial. Between 1837 and 1858, explorers started venturing into the area. In the mid 1800’s to encourage settlement, the government sold land in the area for as little as $1.00 per acre. A lot of the original purchasers were speculators, but by the 1870s a small community had formed. Most of the settlers in the beginning came from areas of Europe that were desirable, so we see a lot of English and Scottish immigrants in the early years. In the late 1800’s to the early 1900’s we see a lot of the early pioneering families of Pitt Meadows start to arrive in the area: Cook, Richardson, Sharpe, McMyn, Blaney, Reid, Park.

Our first attempt at incorporation happened in 1874, when we incorporated under Maple Ridge. Unfortunately, that didn’t work for Pitt Meadows residents, and we reverted to an unincorporated territory in 1896! It would take a little bit more time before we finally incorporated as the District of Pitt Meadows, a title we would retain until 2007 when we became the City of Pitt Meadows.

Rock Cake

The Cookbook

Our second recipe comes out of “A guide to Good Cooking” that was compiled by the makers of Five Roses Flour. Our version that is in the Collection was published in 1932, following the success of the original 1913 “Five Roses Cookbook”. It was written “Great changes have taken place during the past two decades, and with this in mind, we decided to publish a more complete and up-to-date cook book. Another appeal was therefore made to Canadian women, and thousands of recipes and suggestions were received. We now offer this work”

The Recipe

If you fancy a cup of tea and something a little heartier this dessert is for you. We quite enjoyed these with tea. We were lucky with this recipe that it didn’t have anything uncommon, and that it had measurements for temperature. The only thing that may cause you pause it “cocoanut” being written, as that was an old-fashioned way to spell coconut. This recipe isn’t going to replace a classic, but it can be on our tea tray anytime!

Rock Cake Recipe

*****

Return to the kitchen.