Tansy - any ideas????????

[sewer rat]

I was given some Tansy today by an old crofter mannie as a thank you for doing a wee bit of work on the side for him - what can I use it for ? - all he suggested was Tansy cake and he didn't know how to make it - he and his wife used to eat it in Norfolk before they moved up here - does anyone out there in La La land have a recipe for this cake ? I thank you all in advance

[Shortie]

Found this, not sure what it's like as I've never tried it...

http://www.greatbritishkitchen.co.uk...msonappletansy

[sewer rat]

Thanks for looking Shortie - appreciate it but only one prob - although it's called a Tansy - it contains absolutely none

[Lesley Jay]

What I have read up to now says it is bitter and best used as an insect repellent.

[Shortie]

.... errrr, no it didn't did it?

Another 'shortie-ism' for the record!

[pickledtink]

It's really an old medicinal herb and very very nasty tasting as all 'proper' medicine should be. It's supposed to be drunk as a tea in spring to purify the blood.

It works if used like mint with sugar and vinegar to make a sauce to go with roast Lamb apparantly and there's a wierdish recipe for a sort of sweet herby egg custard/quiche like thing which includes it called Tansy pudding.
Maybe it's like quince or even rhubarb which need sweetening before you get the nice taste?
Anyway here's the recipe. If you do try it I'd love to know what it's like!

INGREDIENTS
· 4 slightly beaten eggs
· 1 cup cream
· 3/4 cup spinach juice
· 1 Tablespoon juice of crushed tansy
· 1 teaspoon thyme
· 1 teaspoon sweet marjoram
· 1 teaspoon parsley
· 1 cup bread crumbs
· 1/2 cup sugar
· 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Whisk the eggs and cream together and chuck it all in a buttered dish and bake in a moderate oven like you would a bread and butter pudding.

[Alice]

Don't want to be too cynical Rat, but I think you crofter mannie palmed it off on you. After all, if it was any use, he could tell you what to do with it.