Despite the seemingly eponymous name, not much is known about these elegant treats except that Florentines do not hail from Florence. Although their origin is a mystery, the thin, crisp, and delicate nature of the caramelized almond delicacies suggests both French pastry … [Read more...] about Downton’s Chocolate Florentines
Dining Upstairs or Down
Downton’s Battenburg Cake
Also known as domino cake or church window cake, this almond flavoured checkboard style confection was named in honor of the 1884 marriage of Queen Victoria's granddaughter Victoria to Prince Louis of Battenburg. Because of anti-German sentiment in Britain in World War 1, the … [Read more...] about Downton’s Battenburg Cake
Downton’s Madeleines
These seashell-shaped French tea cakes were a customary addition to the afternoon tea tray at Downton and were kept in biscuit jars by the beds of Ladies Mary, Edith and Sybil for late-night snacking. They were also a favourite of Matthew, whose middle-class upbringing showed … [Read more...] about Downton’s Madeleines
Downton’s English Cream Scones
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
Easy Coleslaw Dressing
While it is so convenient to grab a bottle of prepared salad dressing in the grocery aisle, you can easily make your own with a few pantry ingredients. Easy Coleslaw Dressing While it is so convenient to grab a bottle of prepared salad dressing in the grocery aisle, … [Read more...] about Easy Coleslaw Dressing
