In a large bowl mix together;

8oz self-raising flour,
8oz oatmeal,
8oz sugar,
2 teaspoon ginger

Then rub in;

4oz margarine

Next in a microwave container put;

4oz black treacle,
4oz golden syrup,
4oz lard,

And melt for a couple of minutes in microwave.

Add the treacle mixture to the rubbed in mixture

then add;

2 eggs whisked into 1 cup of milk

once combined put into a lined large tin or roasting tin
at 140c for around 1 hour

Is there an alternative to using lard; can margarine be used instead?

Is there an alternative to using lard; can margarine be used instead?

Not as far as I know

There's no lard in this parkin:

225g (8oz) Plain Flour
225g (8oz) Medium Oatmeal
110g (4oz) Margarine or butter
110g (4oz) Golden Syrup
110g (4oz) Black Treacle
110g 4oz Sugar
1 Egg, beaten
4 tsp Ground Ginger
1 tsp Bicarbonate of Soda
Pinch Salt

Pre-heat oven to 170°C: 325°F: Gas 3.
Grease and line a square baking tin with buttered greaseproof paper.
Sieve the flour, bicarbonate of soda, ginger, and salt
Add the oats and sugar, mix lightly.
Gently rub in the margarine or butter.
Stir in the beaten egg.
Gently warm the syrup and treacle, so that they can be easily poured.
Make a well in the centre of the mixture and add the syrup and treacle.
Mix thoroughly.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking tin.
Bake for 45-60 minutes or until firm and cooked.
Allow to cool for at 15-20 minutes before removing from the tin.
Cut into squares, keep in an airtight tin for 24 to 48 hours before serving.

I didn't think lard would ever be used in a parkin???? Anyway, I think I might have to make some with youngest tomorrow now!