Welsh Rarebit: A Tasty Morsel of British Culinary History

[IrishBubbaLiberal]

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I LOVE THIS NORTH WALES TEA HOUSE 😋



https://www.tuhwntirbont.co.uk/

https://www.tuhwntirbont.co.uk/history

L L A N R W S T, N O R T H W A L E S

Surrounded by beautiful gardens that offer stunning views of the Conwy Valley. Tu Hwnt I'r Bont is a beautiful and historic grade II listed 15th century tearoom located in the small town of Llanrwst, North Wales. We are open all year round, offering a unique opportunity to experience Welsh culture and history in a charming and welcoming setting. We are also dog friendly.

https://www.tuhwntirbont.co.uk/news/welsh-rarebit-a-tasty-morsel-of-british-culinary-history

Welsh Rarebit: A Tasty Morsel of British Culinary History

In the pantheon of classic British cuisine, few dishes evoke as much curiosity and charm as Welsh rarebit. At its heart, the dish is beautifully simple: cheese on toast. But, as with most time-honoured foods, the layers of history, myth, and regional variations make it a subject worth savouring.

The Mysterious Origins

Despite its name, Welsh rarebit doesn’t have a lot to do with rabbits. The original term was "Welsh rabbit", with "rarebit" emerging later, perhaps in an effort to correct or refine the somewhat confusing moniker. Why "rabbit"? Theories abound. Some say it was an English term of derision, hinting that the Welsh, either due to poverty or ineptitude at hunting, had to make do with cheese instead of meat. Others suggest it's simply a playful twist on words, much like "toad in the hole" (which contains no toads) or "spotted dick" (which is safe for all ages).

A Journey Through Time

The first recorded mention of this dish can be traced back to the 1725 publication "A Compleat Housewife" by Eliza Smith. But its origins are undoubtedly older. Cheese, after all, has been a staple in the Welsh diet since time immemorial, and melting it over bread is a practice almost as ancient.

By the 18th century, variations of the dish could be found in England and Scotland. However, it was Wales that would forever lay claim to the dish, perhaps due to its reliance on cheese during meat-scarce periods.

A Recipe that Evolves

More…..

Menu

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[Scrivener7]

1. Growing up, there were two dishes we never had at home.

Spanish rice and Welsh rarebit. Apparently, those were what my dad's family lived on for years during the Depression.

I love Spanish rice, but now I think I'll try some Welsh rarebit. The recipe sounds delicious.

[yellowdogintexas]

2. Welsh Rabbit (yes we called it that) was a favorite in our house- especially New Year's Eve

My mother made amazing "Rabbit" using this amazing extra-extra sharp cheddar that my dad aged for 3 years in the basement, with a little medium cheddar added in to keep it smooth.

We ate it on saltines with pickles and onion for accent.

It has been a very long time since I have eaten it, but I do know how to make it. My sisters and I all agree that we can't make it as good as hers!

I always thought we called it "rabbit" because we were in the South. It is fun to find out it was originally called that in Wales!!!

Now I want to make one.

[3catwoman3]

3. The only Welsh rarebit I've ever had was a high school cafeteria...

...version in 1966-69 and as you might imagine, it was pretty awful. Kinda like Cheeze Whiz on croutons.