A RECIPE used in a bustling kitchen more than 70 years ago is being given a new lease of life.

The ‘secret’ recipe for ginger beer has been tweaked and transformed by baker Mike Armstrong.

And the new creation, a ginger beer scone, features in a book of Silsden’s favourite dishes which is being published later this month.

The original recipe was among those of passionate baker Daisy Morrell, who worked as a cleaner but spent every spare moment in the kitchen.

She was born in Keighley in 1899 but lived for most of her married life in Howden Road, Silsden.

Mrs Morrell recorded in notebooks details of her favourite ingredients for everything from beef roll and raspberry jam to healing liniment.

She died in 1983, but granddaughter Carol Morrell Smith – who also lives in Silsden – treasures the surviving notebooks.

“My grandma would be so thrilled to know that her name and her love of baking will live on in this book,” she said.

“She was one of those incredible, hard-working women of the past who never sat still.

“She was forever baking. The windows were steamed-up whenever I called and there was always a wonderful smell coming from the oven.

“I remember the ginger beer fermenting in big baking bowls kept in the pantry, although as a child I wasn’t allowed to try any because I believe it was slightly alcoholic!”

The new book, being produced as a fundraiser by the Friends of Silsden Town Hall, will include recipes contributed by people from across the community.

Some of the creations have intriguing local stories attached, while others offer a modern slant to the culinary arts.

The book is being launched on Monday, October 28, when Mr Armstrong – Baker Mike, who writes a popular column for the Keighley News – will be giving a kitchen crafts demonstration at Silsden Town Hall.

People will not only be able to watch him at work, but will also have the opportunity to sample the food he creates.

The event begins at 7pm.

People were invited to submit their favourite recipes for everything from cakes, biscuits and puddings to savouries, sweets and preserves, for possible inclusion in the book.