Dinner Plans Solved

I just discovered that today is Welsh Rarebit Day. Which, when I first saw it, thought “rabbit” but trust me, there is no rabbit involved.

Welsh rarebit is a traditional British dish and pub staple but it’s roots go back to the Welsh love of toasted cheese.

It was originally called “Welsh rabbit” in the early 18th century (first recorded in 1725), with the earliest printed recipe appearing in 1747. Something to do with an 18th century English tradition of making fun of their Celtic neighbors, where “Welsh” was used to mean something lesser or poor. Calling melted cheese on toast “rabbit” was a joke meant to imply that poor Welsh people could not afford real meat.

The spelling changed to “welsh rarebit” around 1785 as a polite correction to make the name make sense since the dish contains no actual rabbit.

What’s in it? Traditional Ingredients: It consists of a rich, warm cheese sauce typically made with sharp cheddar, ale, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce poured over toasted bread and broiled.

My mom used to make cheese toast in our house that I remember having as kids, and make now. Especially on a rainy day like today. Cheese on bread – broiled in the oven. Great with tomato soup. Comfort food at it’s finest. Maybe that’s where it comes from. A lazy man’s Welsh rarebit.

But tonight I might try to make this. In honour of the day.

Sharing the RECIPE I found online here.

****UPDATE****

I made it last night and it was delicious! I would totally make it again. A little more involved than just throwing some cheddar cheese on bread and hitting it under the broiler for a few minutes until melted and bubbly and toasty. But the added flavours in this recipe shared was a real treat!

Categorised in: Afternoons

This post was written by Carrie Buchanan