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penny's welsh Rarebit Recipe

Penny from the Culinary Cottage teaches us how to make her Welsh Rarebit Recipe. Welsh Rarebit, formerly spelled rabbit, has nothing to do with the furry animal. Instead it is a classic Welsh finger food consisting of a cheesy roux (flour and butter sauce) on toast aka a gourmet version of melted cheese on toast. In addition to cheese, Penny's version infuses the roux with a light ale, mustard, and cayenne pepper.This favorite dish of many Welsh will have you questioning your grilled cheese sandwiches. Penny's advice is to make sure your smear the topping on every last inch of your toast almost to encourage a spill over. And of course to eat the rarebit with your hands! 

welsh rarebit recipe: 
makes 4 pieces of rarebit
total time: 20 minutes
directions for welsh rarebit:

welsh rarebit ingredients:

  • 1 oz (25 g) unsalted  butter

  • 1 oz or about 1/4 cup (25 g) all purpose flour

  • 3½fl oz (l00ml) dark ale beer (I use Skirrid Welsh bitter from the Tudor Brewery)

  • 5oz (150 g) mature Cheddar cheese, grated (I love Colliers Welsh cheddar)

  • 1 egg yolk

  • 1 tsp English mustard, (I love Dragon Mustard which is mustard spiced with red chili.) 

  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (if you like spicy)

  • 4 slices of homemade Seaweed Soda Bread or sourdough

  • freshly ground black pepper (optional as a seasoning)

  1. Melt the butter in a non-stick saucepan and stir in the flour. Cook over a low heat for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.

  2. Slowly add the beer. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until the sauce is thick and smooth.

  3. Add the cheese, egg yolk, mustard, Worcestershire sauce and cayenne pepper. Cook until the cheese melts, stirring constantly.

  4. Season with freshly ground black pepper and set aside to cool.

  5. Place the bread on a baking tray and toast on each side until golden-brown. Spread the cheese sauce thickly over the bread, making sure the slices are completely covered so the edges don’t burn. Place in a toaster oven or on broil for 20-30 seconds longer until lightly browned and bubbling.

  6. Eat the Rarebit with your hands making sure to lick your fingers!

directions for soda bread with laver:

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F

  2. Sift the flours, salt, baking soda and sugar into a large bowl

  3. Stir in the oats, followed by the buttermilk and the laver flakes.

  4. Combine together with a fork and then use your hands to bring the dough together.

  5. Shape into a round ball and place on a baking tray dusted with whole wheat flour.

  6. Sprinkle the dough with a generous pinch of whole wheat flour and score a large cross into the top.

  7. Bake for 30 – 35 minutes; it should sound hollow when tapped.

  8. Cool on a wire rack.

  9. Enjoy as is or use it as the toast for a Welsh Rarebit!

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soda bread with laver ingredients:

soda bread with laver recipe: 
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Makes one large soda bread loaf (about 12 slices)
prep time: 10 minutes
proof time: not needed
cooking time: 30-35 minutes
total time: 45 minutes

If you are interested in improving your kitchen skills in the hands of a sweet, charismatic, energetic, and fun person, look no further! You must take a little cooking vacation to visit Penny's Culinary Cottage. At Penny's comfortable and warm home, you can take courses that range from a 1-day cooking course to a 5-day immersive program. You can learn basic cooking skills, more advanced cooking skills, how to plan for dinner parties, how to prepare for a catering gig, how to use an Aga oven (so cool!), and how to make some Welsh Recipes!! The ambience and warm energy of Penny's home will have you wanting to move in!

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