How did Welsh cakes develop?

The development of Welsh cakes, also known as Welsh cookies or bakestones, can be traced back to several factors:

1. Historical Influences: Welsh cakes have Celtic roots, with influences from ancient British and European culinary traditions. The use of simple ingredients like flour, butter, sugar, and eggs was common among early Welsh communities.

2. Geographical Isolation: Wales's unique geographical position, surrounded by the Irish Sea to the north, the Celtic Sea to the south, and England to the east, contributed to the preservation and development of traditional recipes like Welsh cakes.

3. Local Ingredients: Welsh cakes showcase the use of locally available ingredients. Butter and milk, abundant in rural Wales, were incorporated into the recipe, giving Welsh cakes their distinctive richness.

4. Home Cooking: Welsh cakes were primarily a homemade treat prepared in Welsh households. Recipes were passed down through generations and became a symbol of traditional Welsh cuisine.

5. Popularity in Mining Communities: Welsh cakes were particularly popular among mining communities in South Wales. The portable and energy-dense nature of these small cakes made them a convenient and satisfying snack for miners.

6. Social Gatherings: Welsh cakes played an important role in social gatherings and celebrations. They were often served with a cup of tea or as an accompaniment to afternoon tea parties.

7. Tourism and Commercialization: In recent decades, Welsh cakes have gained popularity beyond Wales due to tourism and commercial production. They have become a symbol of Welsh culinary heritage and are widely enjoyed by tourists and locals alike.

Overall, the development of Welsh cakes can be attributed to the fusion of Celtic culinary practices, the availability of local ingredients, domestic cooking traditions, and their social and cultural significance in Welsh communities.