Jam Roly Poly

About Jam Roly Poly

Jam Roly-Poly otherwise known as Dead Man's Leg is a traditional British pudding made with suet, spread with jam and then rolled up. It dates back to the early 19th century. Jam Roly-Poly was also known as shirt-sleeve pudding, because it was often steamed and served in an old shirt-sleeve. So then it also became known as Dead Mans Arm. This is a great winter dish and not for the faint hearted or health concious as it is loaded with calories.

Ingredients (serves 4)

• 250g/8oz self-raising flour
• pinch salt
• 125g/4oz shredded suet
• 90-120ml/6-8tbsp water
• 4 tbsp raspberry jam, warmed
• a little milk
• 1 egg, beaten
• caster sugar to glaze

How to make Jam Roly Poly

Sieve the flour into a mixing bowl, add the suet and mix well. Combine with the water to make a soft dough but not too wet.

Turn on to a floured board and roll out to a rectangle about 20x30cm/8x12in. Brush the pastry with the warmed jam, leaving a 1cm/½in border all round. Fold in this border and brush with milk.

With the short side towards you, roll up the pastry loosely and seal the ends well. Place on greased parchment sheet, with the sealed edge underneath. Brush with the beaten egg and sprinkle with caster sugar.

Bake in the oven at 200C/400F/Gas 6 for 35-40 minutes until golden brown. Remove from the oven, sprinkle on a little more sugar and serve hot with homemade custard. Cream or ice-cream can be used as an alternative. ENJOY.