JANE AUSTEN'S REGENCY TOASTED CHEESE - WELSH OR SCOTCH RAREBIT

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Jane Austen's Regency Toasted Cheese - Welsh or Scotch Rarebit image

Lots of you who know me very well on Recipezaar will know of my love and research into Historical recipes, traditions, culture and food; this Toasted Cheese recipe is the first in a series of Regency recipes that I will be posting! I always like to make any recipe that I post at least twice, and this one is a real cracker in my humble opinion! Jane Austen is known to have said.... "We were greatly surprised by Edward Bridge's company...It is impossible to do justice to the hospitatlity of his attentions towards me; he made a point of ordering toasted cheese for supper, entirely on my account." --Jane Austen-- 27 August, 1805. This is a classic regency dish - often served AFTER a heavy meal and before the dessert! It was more often than not called Toasted Cheese, but is also known as Scotch or Welsh Rarebit. The original recipe was written like this: "Toasted Cheese - Grate the cheese and add it to one egg, a teaspoonful of mustard, and a little butter. Send it up on toast, or in paper trays". I have amended the orginal recipe for today's quantities, ingredients and cooking methods!! NB: In 1747, a cookery book gave a recipe for "Scots Rabbit" or Rare Bit as bread toasted on both sides and a slice of cheese, the same size as the bread, also toasted on both sides and laid on the buttered bread. The same book had "Welsh Rabbit" made in the same way but with mustard rubbed on the cheese. "English Rabbit" on the other hand had a glass of red wine poured over the toast before the cheese was added. Take your pick!

Provided by French Tart

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 10m

Yield 6 Toasted Cheese Slices, 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 1/2 lbs grated mature cheddar cheese
6 fluid ounces milk or 6 fluid ounces ale
3/4 teaspoon dry English-style mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
6 slices thick bread
butter
chutney, to serve

Steps:

  • Melt the cheese over hot, but not boiling, water and then gradually stir in the rest of the ingredients. Mix well and set to one side. Taste and adjust seasonings.
  • Toast the bread on ONE side only and then butter the UNTOASTED side.
  • Spread the melted rarebit mixture over the top of the bread - on the UNTOASTED side - make sure the mixture is spread upto the edges.
  • Place under a hot grill and cook until the rarebit mixture is bubbling hot and brown in patches, about 3 to 5 minutes depending on the heat of your grill.
  • Serve immediately with a selection of chutneys, relishes and pickles.

Beenish Fatima
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Overall, I highly recommend this recipe. It's easy to make, delicious, and versatile. You can serve it as an appetizer, a main course, or even a snack. It's a dish that everyone will enjoy, regardless of their dietary preferences or cooking skills.


Jessie Jones
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This recipe is very affordable to make, which is a big plus for me. The ingredients are all very common and easy to find. I was able to make a whole batch of toasted cheese for less than $10. A great option for a budget-friendly meal.


sithembile duma
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I love how this dish looks! The golden brown toasted bread and the bubbly cheese sauce are so visually appealing. I garnished mine with fresh parsley and it looked like something out of a magazine. It's a dish that's sure to impress your guests, both


Amar Sopno
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This recipe brought back so many fond memories of my childhood. My grandmother used to make Welsh rarebit for us all the time, and it was always a special treat. Her recipe was a bit different than this one, but it was just as delicious. I'm so glad


Md Mujib
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I love trying new and different foods, and this recipe definitely delivered! The combination of cheese, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce was unexpected but incredibly delicious. The toasted bread added a nice crunch. It's a dish that I'll definitely


Danya Shantrell Hendrix-Still
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This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. It's quick and easy to make, and it's always a crowd-pleaser. The cheese sauce comes together in minutes, and the toasted cheese is ready in just a few minutes more. A great go-to meal when you're short on


raheelanaeem
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This recipe was a hit at my last dinner party! I served it as an appetizer and everyone raved about it. The cheese sauce was so smooth and decadent, and the toasted bread was the perfect accompaniment. It's a simple dish, but it's sure to impress you


Kimberly Quinones
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I made a few modifications to lighten up the recipe and it turned out great! I used low-fat cheese and whole-wheat bread, and I omitted the butter. The cheese sauce was still creamy and flavorful, and the toasted cheese was just as delicious. A healt


Excuses
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OMG! This recipe is a cheese lover's dream! The cheese sauce is incredibly rich and flavorful, and the toasted bread provides the perfect crispy contrast. I especially enjoyed the tangy flavor of the mustard and Worcestershire sauce. Highly recommend


Ryan Mumford
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I'm a beginner in the kitchen, but this recipe was easy to follow and turned out great! The cheese sauce was a bit tricky to make, but it was worth the effort. The toasted cheese was gooey and delicious. I'll definitely be making this again.


Mehru Mehru
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This is the best Welsh rarebit I've ever had! The cheese sauce is so rich and creamy, and the bread is perfectly toasted. I loved the addition of the mustard and Worcestershire sauce, which gave the dish a nice depth of flavor. Will definitely be mak


Alexmcleish Ochdirt
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A delightful recipe that truly transports you back to the Regency era. The flavors are divine, the texture is perfect, and the presentation is elegant. I highly recommend trying this recipe if you're a fan of Jane Austen or if you simply enjoy a good