Cakes

Following an epic Slytherin VS Gryffindor Quidditch match (as well as overhearing a very suspicious conversation between Snape and Quirrell), Harry learns of a celebration in which we find our next food item:

"Everyone's waiting for you in the common room, we're having a party, Fred and George stole some cakes and stuff from the kitchens" (Sorcerer's Stone 227).

Ms. Rowling does not specify what kind of cakes our favorite twins have nicked from the kitchens (though in truth their arms were likely filled with all sorts of leftovers by the lovable house elves). Since the last recipe we tried turned out to be super involved, I have decided that we should make some simple English Tea Cakes. The recipe can be found here.

You Will Need (I halved this recipe and got 12 cakes):

2 cups butter, softened

1 cup sugar

2 tsp vanilla extract
4 cups all-purpose flour

60 walnut or pecan halves, toasted

1. In a large bowl, cream together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy.

2. Beat in the vanilla.

3. Gradually add the flour, mixing well.

4. Drop by heaping spoonfuls into greased muffin cups and flatten slightly. Press a nut into the center of each.

5. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes (more like 12-15) or until edges are slightly browned. Cool for 2 minutes before removing from the tins. Makes 5 dozen according to the recipe (but their cakes must be awfully small!).

These little cakes have a delightfully subtle sweetness. And they're so easy to make! They would be an excellent choice for any elegant tea or casual evening on the sofa by the fire! Delightful! I hope you enjoy them!