|
Crawfords, Martins and McVitties
"I
remember devouring a vanilla slice from Edinburgh’s wonderful
bakers' shops – Crawfords, Martins or McVitties.
Unlike most modern imitations, the legendary vanilla slice was about
2 ½” x 2 ½” square by 1½” deep – two layers
of pastry hemming in a slab of glorious confectioner’s custard you
could trampoline on – topped by a thick covering of white icing.
The secret was in the solidity of the custard. If you couldn’t jump
on it, without leaving a footprint, it was too soft.
Similar to the sardine special, sold at Edinburgh's
Milk
Bars, too harsh a bite would send the custard in all directions
and bits of pastry all down your front onto the floor.
However, the premeditated 'bite and sook' technique would work every
time – expertly sucking in the custard and falling bits of pastry.
Stray bits of icing would stick to your fingers to be licked off at
your leisure." |