Jam Roly-Poly

Jam Roly-Poly is a traditional British dessert that is also known as Dead Man's Arm or Shirt Sleeve Pudding. It is a flat-rolled suet pudding, which is then spread with jam and rolled up, similar to a Swiss roll, then steamed or baked.

History

The origins of Jam Roly-Poly can be traced back to the 19th century, during the Industrial Revolution. It was a popular dish among the working class in Britain due to its simple and inexpensive ingredients. The dessert was often served in a cloth, leading to its nickname "Dead Man's Arm" or "Shirt Sleeve Pudding".

Preparation

The main ingredients of Jam Roly-Poly are suet, flour, and jam. The suet and flour are combined to make a dough, which is then rolled out flat. The jam (usually raspberry or strawberry) is spread over the dough, which is then rolled up and wrapped in a cloth or foil before being steamed or baked.

Cultural Significance

Jam Roly-Poly has a strong cultural significance in Britain. It is often associated with school dinners and has been featured in various forms of media, including the works of Charles Dickens. It is also a staple dessert in traditional British Christmas dinners.

Variations

There are several variations of Jam Roly-Poly. Some recipes include additional ingredients such as currants and spices, while others use different types of jam or even marmalade. There is also a savory version known as a Roly-Poly that is filled with meat instead of jam.

See Also

• British cuisine
• List of British desserts
• Roly-Poly (food)