Unknown Ingredients and Substituting

by Loula
(Renton, WA, USA)

What are the mixed spices in the cherry pie? What is golden syrup? Can either be put together at home?

Lashings of custard sound wonderful. How do you make your custard? I know how to make egg custard/flan, but I don't know that this is what you use.

Your food does look both easy and good tasting, and I have enjoyed your gardening contributions. As the world is, figuratively, becoming smaller with the many means of communication, it may be sooner than later that we all know ingredients and measurements from around the world.

Do you do any slow cooking?

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Hi Lola,

You have to forgive me! I have lived in 6 countries over my lifetime and so have adopted recipes from everywhere. I am also a terrible cook in that I very seldom measure anything!!

However, I will try and see if we can adapt this recipe for you in the USA.

Golden Syrup is made by Lyles. You can find it in the States, it is a British syrup with a definite flavor. So maybe you can find it in a British food shop. However, failing which you can substitute Lyles Golden Syrup with the following, although it won't taste exactly the same. Combine light corn syrup and molasses in a 2 to 1 ratio.

Mixed spice is very similar to pumpkin pie spice. However, if you want to make your own, here is the recipe:

1 Tbs ground allspice
1 Tbs ground cinnamon
1 Tbs ground nutmeg
2 tsp ground mace
1 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp ground ginger

Here is a simple custard recipe:

Ingredients

10 fl oz milk
1 tsp good quality vanilla essence
2 egg yolks
1 Tbsp caster sugar

Preparation method

Heat the milk with the vanilla essence and allow the mixture to just come to the boil.

In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar.

Pour the mixture over the egg yolks whisking everything together quickly. When completely mixed in, return to the pan.

Stir over a low heat until the mixture thickens to just coat the back of a spoon.

This will takes about 5-6 minutes.

Your custard is ready to use.

Regards
Kathryn