Hevva Cake

Heavy cake or Hevva cake (Cornish: Hevva) is a cake made from flour, lard, butter, milk, sugar and raisins that originated in Cornwall.

Its name is derived from the pilchard industry in Cornwall prior to the 20th century when a 'huer' (cliff top lookout) helped locate shoals of fish. The huer would shout 'Hevva!, Hevva!' to alert the boats to the location of the pilchard shoals. Cornish tradition states that Hevva cake was baked by the huers on their return to their homes, the cake being ready by the time the crews returned to land.
The cakes are about 1/2", with a criss-cross pattern scored across the top, representing the fishing nets.

[Catherine]

I will be in Cornwall next month and will look out for this - sounds very tasty and I love your image!

[Maggiemae]

Sounds great! Love to get that recipe and try it! Where will I find some lard!!

[Ruby Shepherd]

@megpicatilly Which part of Cornwall Catherine? If you're down in the far southwest you'll have to say hello!

[Ruby Shepherd]

@maggiemae Hmm lard... doesn't appeal to me. My sister had some and said it was lovely!

[Leana Niemand]

Super POV and focus!

[Ruby Shepherd]

@leananiemand Thank you Leana :)

[Letsgo]

Thank you so much for posting this! When I visited Cornwall I made a big effort to try to local food, and have an even more special effort to try local desserts. Any suggestions of where to find a recipe?