Patagonian Black Welsh Cake

This welsh fruitcake, also known as torta negra galesa, comes from Patagonia. A small group settlers from Wales came to the Chubut river region of Patagonia, in Argentina, in the late 18th century. They struggled in the beginning with drought and failed farming attempts. The story goes that the women got together to share the little food that they had left and came up with this cake. It's dark color comes from the brown sugar and molasses, and the rum helps it to keep well. It is still served today to the tourists who visit the Welsh tea houses in towns such as Puerto Madryn and Trelew. There is another tradition associated with this cake - the bottom layer of wedding cakes in this part of Argentina is always a black welsh cake. The newly married couple eats a slice to mark each month of the first year of their marriage.

Recipe for Patagonian Black Welsh Cake