The first Women’s Institute was founded in Stoney Creek, Ontario, Canada in 1897. On 16th September 1915, the first Women’s Institute meeting in the UK was held in Llanfairpwll, on Anglesey, and then in Singleton, Sussex. During the World War I, the WI was formed to encourage countrywomen to get involved in growing and preserving food to help increase the supply of food to the war-torn nation. Since then, the organisation has grown to become the largest women’s voluntary organisation in the UK with over 212,000 members in 6,600 Women’s Institutes.

As the WI celebrates the landmark achievement of 100 years in inspiring women, Geddington and Newton WI have chosen to produce a recipe book of members’ favourite recipes through ten decades. A snapshot of the history of the time is highlighted along with some up-to-date domestic tips. The recipe opposite is courtesy of Val Bellamy.

CHERRY CLAFOUTIS

This sweet flan is delicious served with vanilla ice cream.

Preparation:

10-inch quiche dish (lightly greased), electric mixer, baking sheet, mixing bowl, spoon, scales, measuring spoons. Preheat oven to 400ºF/200ºC/Gas 6.

Ingredients:

1lb fresh cherries, pitted 3½ oz caster sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 egg yolk, 3½ oz plain flour, pinch salt, 6 fl oz milk, 4 tbsp double cream, 1 tsp vanilla extract.

Method:

Scatter the cherries over the bottom of the prepared dish, then place the dish on a baking sheet. In the bowl, using the electric mixer, whisk the sugar, eggs and the egg yolk together until blended and a pale yellow colour, scrape down the sides of the bowl as necessary. Beat in the flour and salt, and then slowly beat in the milk, cream and vanilla extract until light, smooth batter forms. Pour the batter into the dish. Transfer the filled dish on the baking sheet to the oven.

Cooking Instructions:

Bake for forty-five minutes, or until the top is golden brown in colour and the batter is set. Let the pudding stand for at least five minutes, then serve hot, or at room temperature. The launch of Favourite Recipes Through The Decades will be available from 26th September 2015. Cost of the book is £5 plus £1.70 P&P.

To purchase your way to these gastronomic delights, contact:

Val Bellamy: 01536 742511 email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Anne Clay: 01536 460616 email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Josie Parkin 01536 742199 email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Linda Saunders 01536 513280 email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

 
 100 Years Of The Women’s Institute