In order to stay sharp and focused, it is very important to take breaks. A great activity to do while taking a break is to bake, which can simulate senses, improve appetite and keep the brain active.

Welsh cakes (Welsh: picau ar y maen, pice bach, cacennau cri or teisennau gradell) are a traditional sweet bread originating from Wales, that can often be found on Quicklink stands at IBC, NAB and other shows and exhibitions.

Ingredients

• 225g of self-raising flour, or 225g plain flour and 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 pinch of salt, ideally Welsh sea salt
• 100g of butter, or margarine, plus extra for cooking (again, ideally Welsh)
• 50g of caster sugar, plus extra for sprinkling
• 50g of currants
• 1 egg, beaten with 3 tbsp milk

Method

1. Mix the flour and salt together in a large bowl and rub in the margarine or butter. Add the sugar and currants and stir well.
2. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured board until 5mm (1/4 in) thickness and stamp out rounds with a pastry/biscuit cutter.
3. Heat the griddle over a medium heat until hot and grease with a little butter – the baking griddle should be well-greased, and then heated until a little water sprinkled on the surface skips about in balls, evaporating. A heavy cast iron frying pan makes a good substitute. Cook the cakes for about 3 to 4 minutes each side, until they are golden brown and have risen slightly.
4. Serve immediately sprinkled with a little extra caster sugar.