This moist, fruity cake covered with rich pastry is traditionally eaten at Hogmanay. Make it in advance so the flavours have time to mature. Equipment and preparation: you will need a 900g/2lb loaf tin.
Originally, the traditional Scottish cranachan celebrated the harvest, but now it is enjoyed year-round. There are many variations, but in all of them the trick is the slow toasting of the oatmeal; this is then mixed into the dish at the last minute so that its texture is retained. The quantities given here for the cardamom honey make a full jar, much more than you need for this amount of cranachan, but it will keep indefinitely; it is great over granola and in coffee.
This is best served as a starter. Sucking the sweet sauce off the juicy crustaceans is an experience to be savoured, never hurried. Shelled and unshelled prawns are both fine to use. Serve with a green salad and hunks of crusty bread.