An American 'cake' and a British/Scottish one

Spendless · 8 March 2022 at 7:25AM

Looking for ideas. My 18yo daughter has recently finished a short college course. She's been living in Scotland for the past 6 months. The international students on her course are leaving this week as their student visas run out. Some of her college mates are having a 'bring a home made dish to dinner' leaving party for one of the American students Daughter has come home briefly (3 hr train journey away) but will be returning tomorrow at the latest in order to attend her college mates farewell.

I suggested that instead of taking anything that might need to be re-heated up, maybe if daughter took desserts in the form of some cake/buns etc. Daughter isn't the best of cooks and I'm at a job interview today, so I've roped my Mum in to help. Mum suggested brownies and something else. Last night I came up with the idea that Brownies could represent being American and the 'something else' it would be good to do something British/Scottish as a contrast . But what? They have to travel well, due to the 3 hr train journey back so am not sure scones would fit the bill due to also needing the cream and jam taking separately.

They'll be 12 guests at this party. Daughter is vegetarian though I don't think there's any other dietary requirements.

Floss · 8 March 2022 at 7:32AM

Shortbread? Raspberries, whisky, oatmeal & vegan "cream" to make Cranachan? Or something local to your area? (Yorkshire parkin, Welsh cakes, Eccles cakes etc)

Does your daughter really want to do 2 dishes or is that a thought that she should? If everyone is taking 1 thing, maybe she could do the same?

JGB1955 · 8 March 2022 at 7:32AM

How about Melting Moments Melting Moments | Traditional Cookie From Scotland, United Kingdom | TasteAtlas or Shortbread?

Spendless · 8 March 2022 at 7:42AM

Floss said:

Shortbread? Raspberries, whisky, oatmeal & vegan "cream" to make Cranachan? Or something local to your area? (Yorkshire parkin, Welsh cakes, Eccles cakes etc)

Does your daughter really want to do 2 dishes or is that a thought that she should? If everyone is taking 1 thing, maybe she could do the same?

No. It's my Mum's idea. I rang her last night to see if she could do some baking for DD to take back. My Mum replied 'yes ok, I'll do some brownies and something else, maybe cupcakes, I'll have a think' At this point I hadn't even considered a 'theme'

Later when I was thinking oh brownies are a nice idea as the person leaving is American, I then thought I wonder if the 'something else' should be British/Scottish.

My Mum is highly likely to do 2 separate things (she can be a bit 'extra' -lol, bless her) and will be making whatever it is today.

GaleSF63 · 8 March 2022 at 7:59AM

Floss said:

Shortbread? Raspberries, whisky, oatmeal & vegan "cream" to make Cranachan? Or something local to your area? (Yorkshire parkin, Welsh cakes, Eccles cakes etc)

Does your daughter really want to do 2 dishes or is that a thought that she should? If everyone is taking 1 thing, maybe she could do the same?

I immediately thought of Cranachan (biased because I really love it), but I don't think it would travel well especially if it got warm.
Dundee cake? Rather a lot of ingredients though which you may not have.
Homemade shortbread is lovely - and only needs flour, sugar and butter.

I didn't know melting moments are Scottish. There's a recipe in the Be-ro book.

ETA Although I don't recommend Cranachan on this occasion you should try it sometime!

Spendless · 8 March 2022 at 9:06AM

Thanks for ideas. It's now sorted. I started googling from your suggestions but also about something thought of as traditionally British, and hit on lemon drizzle cake, which is one of my mum's specialities. Think that will give the house guests a nice contrast chocolate brownies or lemon cake. They're all young adults, late teens or early 20s so will be happy with 2 choices of sugar!