Scones have been essential to the British teatime tradition since the mid-nineteenth century when, according to legend, Anna, the fashionable Duchess of Bedford ordered her servants to sneak the small cakes and hot tea into her room for an afternoon snack. In time, she began … [Read more...] about Downton’s English Cream Scones
Official Downton Abbey Cookbook
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
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 The story goes that it was originally made for Mary Queen of Scots in the 16th century, but since she didn't like cherries they were omitted and the top was decorated with concentric circles of almonds.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
Downton’s Traditional Gingerbread Cake
This recipe comes from The Official Downton Abbey Cookbook which is quite similar to other gingerbread recipes of the era. What is particularly enjoyable about this book is that is prefaced by the historical background which I also like to provide. "Ginger was one of the … [Read more...] about Downton’s Traditional Gingerbread Cake
Downton’s Sole à la Florentine
"Fish with something green is often seen on the dinner table at Downton. The garnish serves a practical purpose, as it gives the actors something to eat that isn't going to be horrible after several hours under fierce lighting. This was a genuinely popular way to eat fish, and … [Read more...] about Downton’s Sole à la Florentine
