In the UK "Mothering Sunday" is also known as Simnel Sunday because of the tradition of baking Simnel cakes. It is a fruit cake with a flat layer of marzipan (sugar almond paste) placed on top of the cake and then decorated with 11 marzipan balls representing the 12 apostles - - - minus Judas, who betrayed Christ. It was not eaten on Mothering Sunday because of the rules of Lent, instead it was saved until Easter. The word simnel probably derived from the latin word ‘simila’, meaning fine, wheaten flour from which the cakes were made. If you dare to bake one of these cakes here is a link to the recipe ... http://projectbritain.com/easter/simnelrecipe.html
~ Chef ~
