This recipe from Gourmet Magazine was adapted from a rich chocolate cake first served in the late 1890s at the Wellesley Tea Room, a genteel establishment catering to students at the well-known Massachusetts women's college. It makes a lovely rich cake which I like to make as … [Read more...] about The Wellesley Fudge Cake Recipe Makes Great Cupcakes
Afternoon Tea
Downton’s Orange Layer Cake
This recipe appears in the new Official Downton Abbey Cookbook. Orange cakes were one of the staples of the period and appear in many cookbooks. This version is originally from Margaret Black's Superior Cookery (1887) uses oranges and lemons and packs a very citrusy punch. … [Read more...] about Downton’s Orange Layer Cake
Truffled Wild Mushroom Tartlets
Quiche like tartlets are a great addition to your appetizer tray; Your local supermarket will likely have a variety of wild and specialty mushrooms for you to experiment with. You could substitute melted butter for the truffle oil, but there is nothing like the earthy smell and … [Read more...] about Truffled Wild Mushroom Tartlets
Downton’s Dundee Cake
Dundee cake is a Scottish light fruitcake. The story goes that it was originally made for Mary Queen of Scots in the 16th century, but since she didn't like cherries they were omitted and the top was decorated with concentric circles of almonds. This version comes from the … [Read more...] about Downton’s Dundee Cake
Maids of Honour Tarts
It is generally believed that Henry VIII was the first to use the name of this famous tart after he saw Ann Boleyn and other “maids of honour” eating these tarts. He locked away the recipe in the Richmond Palace and declared that it was for royal consumption only. By the 18th … [Read more...] about Maids of Honour Tarts
