A recipe of love

Jam roly poly

As the first rays of sunlight softly filtered through the curtains, casting a delicate glow across her room, Margaret rose with an eagerness she had not felt in years. The day had finally arrived-her very first lesson with Nathaniel. The thought of learning something new-baking, no less-stirred both excitement and a touch of nervousness within her. She donned a simple pastel blue cotton gown, one Eliza had thoughtfully selected the previous day. As she tied the apron around her waist, a smile crept upon her lips in anticipation of what the morning might unfold.

The house was still bathed in quietude, the serenity of early morn lingering in the air as Margaret made her way down the corridor to the kitchen. The familiar scent of freshly baked bread mingled with the freshness of the dewy air, and she felt a sense of peace wash over her as she gently pushed open the door.

Nathaniel was already there, awaiting her by the counter. His tall frame leaned casually against the table, but he quickly straightened as he noticed her entrance, a warm smile playing on his lips.

"Good morning, Madam," he greeted her, his tone polite yet tinged with warmth.

Margaret's smile deepened, and she let out a soft chuckle. "Nathaniel, I have told you, it is Margaret. Today, I am your student, and you must address me accordingly," she teased lightly, the formalities between them melting in the morning light.

Nathaniel raised a brow in playful amusement but inclined his head. "As you wish, Margaret," he replied, her name rolling easily from his tongue. "Shall we commence?"

"I am quite ready," she said, stepping further into the kitchen, her eyes settling on the counter where bowls, flour, and a rolling pin had already been neatly arranged. "Pray tell, what shall we be crafting today?"

"Jam roly-poly," Nathaniel announced, his voice carrying a nostalgic note. "It is a simple dessert, yet one of my dearest favourites. My mother often made it for my siblings and me when we were but children."

Margaret's face brightened. "I have heard of it but have yet to try my hand at making one. I am eager to learn."

Nathaniel smiled as he began setting out the ingredients. "It is far simpler than one might imagine. We shall begin with the dough." He placed a large bowl before her. "First, we require 250 grams of self-raising flour. Do measure it out, if you would."

Slightly hesitant but resolute, Margaret took the flour, carefully spooning it into the scale. Nathaniel gave a nod of approval at her precision. "Now sift it into the bowl-we desire the dough to be light and airy."

Margaret did as instructed, watching as the flour fell like snow into the bowl. Her confidence grew with each movement. "Next, 125 grams of suet. It is the suet that lends the roly-poly its delicate texture." He handed her the suet, guiding her as she added it to the flour.

"Mix it together," he instructed, watching as her hands worked with growing certainty. "You are doing splendidly. Now, just a pinch of salt for balance."

Margaret sprinkled the salt into the mixture, her brow furrowed in concentration. Nathaniel could not help but smile at her determination. "Now, we add cold water-just enough to bring the dough together. About 150 millilitres should suffice."

Pouring the water in small amounts, Margaret worked the dough with her hands, feeling it gradually take shape into a smooth ball. "That is quite right," Nathaniel said, stepping closer to demonstrate how to knead it gently. "One must not overwork it-just enough to bring it together."

Once the dough was prepared, Nathaniel rolled it out upon a floured surface. "We must roll it into a rectangle, about half a centimetre in thickness." He handed her the rolling pin.