A Rickmansworth baker was recently invited by the Irish Ambassador to Hungary to create 300 of her mini Mary Cakes.
Hazel Carmichael produced the cakes with the Irish-Hungarian Arán bakery in Budapest for the ambassador’s St Patrick’s Day reception on Monday, March 17.
Speaking to RICKYnews, Hazel explained: “The recipe was originally brought to Bewley’s, my family bakery in Dublin, by a Hungarian refugee confectioner in 1956. Mary Cakes were loved by Dubliners for decades, but the recipe was lost during a change of ownership.
“I researched its history, discovered his name was Henry Spelter, and traced his family in New York. They generously shared his meticulous notes which enabled me to bring his recipe back to life.”
Mary Cakes consist of a luxurious chocolate filling on a sponge base, encased in chocolate and topped with marzipan. These are now a popular speciality of Hazel’s Cake Studio in Rickmansworth.
Hazel added: “I have also created a new version with a kirsch-enriched black cherry centre and named it the Henry Cake in his honour. I donate 10 per cent of all Mary and Henry Cake sales to the Red Cross to support their work with today’s refugees.
“This story is about a refugee fleeing oppression, sharing his skills and heritage, and what can happen when these are recognised and given a chance to flourish.”
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