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 The story goes that it was originally made for Mary Queen of Scots in the 16th century, but since she didn't like cherries they were omitted and the top was decorated with concentric circles of almonds.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
Afternoon Tea
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
Royal Family Gingerbread – A Palace Cookie Tradition Lives On
The holidays just wouldn’t be the same without the seasonal aromas of ginger and spice baking in the royal ovens at Buckingham Palace. Gingerbread biscuits have been a staple of royal Christmases since Queen Victoria’s era, lending a delicious dose of history to each seasonal … [Read more...] about Royal Family Gingerbread – A Palace Cookie Tradition Lives On
Simply Delicious Treacle Tart
Treacle Tarts are a traditional English tea treat made of a simple mixture of golden syrup and bread crumbs. Treacle simply refers to molasses. The most famous manufacturer of treacle is Lyle's Golden Syrup, a light treacle. It was recently declared Britain's oldest brand, … [Read more...] about Simply Delicious Treacle Tart
Bountiful Banbury Tarts aka Butter Tarts
Banbury Tarts are a traditional tea treat named after the town of Banbury, Oxfordshire in England. There are regional variations of this classic tart, some calling for raisins, others with figs, candied peel or currants and walnuts. Canadians will know these as butter … [Read more...] about Bountiful Banbury Tarts aka Butter Tarts
