1st March is St David's Day: the
traditional day of the Welsh. Dewi Sant as Saint David is called in
the Welsh language, was a Celtic monk who lived in the sixth
century. The Black Flag with yellow cross is the flag of St. David.
Although not
that much is known about him, some information is gleaned from a book
written by Rhigyfarch called Buchedd Dewi (the life of David) in
the 11th century. He reached the status of archbishop of Wales, and was one of
many early saints who helped to spread Christianity among the pagan Celtic
tribes of western Britain. Apparently he lived a frugal life, eating
mostly bread and herbs and only ever drank water. Dewi died on 1st March
589AD and was buried at St David's Cathedral in Pembrokeshire which became a
place of pilgrimage throughout the Middle Ages.
St David's Day dates
back to 1120, when Dewi was canonised by Pope Callactus II, at which time
March 1st was added in the Church calendar and today St. David's Day is celebrated by Welsh people all over the world and is a
time when the wearing of the national emblems of Wales - a leek or a daffodil -
is a must.
Try out our
recipes below to add a truly Welsh flavour to your breakfast, tea or
supper. You can also find more Welsh recipes on our
Wales Cooking by Country Page which also gives historical and Welsh culinary
information.
Breakfast
Welsh Laver bread Cakes
Veg HT ACC 15mins
Traditionally
serve at breakfast with fried or grilled bacon
Starters
Caerphilly and Tomato Salad
V C HD 10mins
A
simple starter using this traditional Welsh cheese
Cawl Cennin
Veg HT SP 50mins
A
wonderful Leek Soup
Leek Mousse
V H HD ACC Welsh 80mins
A
light hors d'oeurvre using this traditionally welsh ingredient
Main Courses
Cockle Pie
H MC Welsh 25mins
Cockles
were a popular ingredient in Wales, gathered mainly by hand from the Gower Peninsular
Anglesey Eggs Veg HT MC Welsh 45mins
Mam
Cymru ('Mother of Wales') - an island situated off the north-west Coast of
mainland Wales
Fillet of Lamb with Rosemary
HT MC 60mins
Cooked
with leeks for a unique Welsh flavour
Cawl
H MC Welsh 150mins
This
is just one version of this traditional Welsh dish - vary the vegetables
according to what's in season
Accompaniments
Leek Mousse
V H HD ACC Welsh 80mins
An
unusual accompaniment using this traditionally welsh ingredient
Welsh Onion Bake Veg
HT MC 110mins
The
addition of Caerphilly cheese is wonderful
Teatime
Slapan
(Bakestones) V H CBF Welsh 20mins
Named
after the traditional method of cooking on a Bakestone - a cast iron griddle
Hot Butter Sponge
Veg HT CBF 30mins
A
traditional Welsh cake eaten hot or warm
Desserts
and Puddings
Monmouth Pudding
V H DP Welsh 70mins
Monmouthshire
is an area in Wales: Monmouth being a border market town
Steamed Snowdon Pudding
HT DP Welsh 100mins
Mount
Snowden is the highest Peak in Wales rising more than 3000 feet above sea level
ST. DAVID'S DAY
