The Victorians were obsessed with rhubarb. Introduced at the time of Queen Victoria's coronation, the commemorative Victorian variety of rhubarb was easy to grow, reliably robust and consistently sweet and tender, Victoria rhubarb was a runaway smash hit from the … [Read more...] about One Bowl Healthy Rhubarb Puffs
Afternoon Tea
Mamma Agata’s Famous Lemon Cake
This super moist lemon cake became famous after it impressed Humphrey Bogart back in the day. It comes from Mamma Agata, whose family started an amazing cooking school, situated on the Amalfi coast. It is on my bucket list to travel there one day. Mamma Agata's Famous Lemon … [Read more...] about Mamma Agata’s Famous Lemon Cake
Downton’s Chocolate Florentines
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
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
