The folk up North are experts at comfort food – from cosy pies to luscious puddings. We bow down to you!
The North of England is also renowned for its traditional thrifty recipes, many of them devised in the early and mid-20th century as affordable, filling ways to warm up and sate the many industrial workers across the region.
Amongst these is the mighty deep-fried jam sandwich – sometimes known as a jam fritter, or even a poor man’s doughnut.
Especially prevalent around Manchester, they were once a favourite treat dosed out at fish and chip shops, schools, canteens and at home. Think soft white bread, squidgy jam, a crisp battered coating, and a sprinkling of caster sugar.
We’ve given a nod to the scrummy creation in our version, layered with Great British Food Award-winning Strawberry Jam from Cakebole Orchard.
Ingredients
- White bread
- Strawberry jam
- 125g plain flour
- 50g cornflour
- Pinch baking powder
- Milk
- Oil in a deep fat fryer or saucepan
- Caster sugar
Method
1. In a bowl combine the flour, cornflour and baking powder. Using a fork, slowly add milk in a stream, whisking all the time, to make a batter the texture of single cream.
2. Thicky spread a piece of bread with jam and top with another piece of bread – it's up to you whether you leave the crusts on or not. Slice in half diagonally.
3. Bring oil in a fryer or pan to around 175C.
4. Dunk a sandwich half in the batter, allow to drip back into the bowl a little then carefully (away from you) place in the oil.
5. Cook until golden.
6. Drain on kitchen paper, sprinkle with sugar and eat straight away.
