• Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Snapchat
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

MsMarmiteLover

  • Food
    • Recipes
    • Vegetarian
    • Vegan
  • Travel
    • France
    • Italy
    • Spain
    • UK
  • Wine
  • Gardens
  • Supperclubs/Events
  • About
    • Published Articles
    • Books
  • Shop
    • Cart

Victorian tea today with Lavender Bakery

May 3, 2009 12 Comments Filed Under: Food, Recipes, Uncategorized

Savoury tartlets: anchovy, tomato, roasted peppers and capers; blue cheese and creme fraiche; artichoke, mozzarella and pesto. Victorian couple hard at work in the kitchen.
Cocktail of violet liqueur, vodka and cava. Victoria Sponge. 
Lavender and green tea shortbread. Pistachio & rosewater meringues
Madeleines
Holy crumpet! Making clarified butter to oil the rings means it’s less likely to burn
Blending unsalted butter and Marmite for the sandwiches, a Nigella trick that works…

Aperitif
Coupe au violet
Les salés
Marmite and cucumber Sandwiches
Savoury tarts
Home-made crumpets
Les sucrés
Madeleines au miel
Carrot cake with cream cheese frosting
Victoria sponge
Raspberry cake
Lemon cake
Chocolate cupcakes
Mini lemon and lime tarts
Rosewater and Pistachio meringues
Lavender shortbread
Green tea matcha shortbread
Tea and Coffee

Aga meringues

I used Martha Stewart’s easy recipe for my pate brisé for the tartlets and the vintage tins I bought on various trips to France. The blue cheese and creme fraiche filling is dead easy, takes minutes in fact: just blend blue cheese, creme fraiche, an egg or two. I blind baked the pastry casings, then filled with a variety of toppings. I used stuff I had to hand like anchovies, curled in a cross like starfish, pine nuts (which I hate roasted and keep in the fridge to prevent them going stale), roast cherry tomatoes dowsed in olive oil, quarters of artichoke hearts in oil, basil leaves, roast red and yellow peppers, capers, mozzarella…almost like tiny pizzette.
These were fiddly but enjoyable to make. As I worked my mum told me about her friend Joy, who, fresh from a cooking course, then made a meal in which the canapes were miniature versions of full-size dinners. There were tiny peas, tiny roast potatoes, tiny carrots on a little plate. All the women didn’t know whether to eat them or laquer the canapé and wear it as a broach. The men, of course, she said, just slung these tiny works of art into their mouths with nary a thought, Shrek-like.
The crumpets were, of course a triumph. @porridgelady from Twitter talked of the fact that they came ready-buttered, with my best Brittany sea salt butter, so piping hot they almost burnt the roof of your mouth. Are there any places in London where they serve hot home-made crumpets? Not heard of one.

@porridgelady was a finalist in The Golden Spurtle World Porridge making championship. She’s obsessed with porridge. Apparently there are others with this fetish!
Lavender bakery’s scones were light and fudgy, just as a scone should be, served with clotted cream and organic jams. My favourite was her lavender shortbread and her carrot cake, which didn’t have too much carrot in it and was dotted liberally with walnuts.
It was interesting cooking with someone who has such a different style; her tiny pistachio and rose-water meringues against my enormous golden-pink Aga-baked meringues. She is precise. I throw a handful of this, a handful of that into dishes. And that’s why she is a baker and I am a cook. Although my baking is improving…

Recent posts

Christmas present suggestions for foodies 2023

December 5, 2023

Yeni Raki dinner at Ruya, London

November 26, 2023

La Clique, a spiegeltent show in Leicester Square, London and a late dinner at Wong Kei

November 21, 2023

Previous Post: « Beltane Menu 2/5/09
Next Post: Our Madeleine »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jules

    May 3, 2009 at 9:29 am

    Absolutely stunning menu. Just wish I could be there. Hope it goes well.

    Reply
  2. Ceebs

    May 3, 2009 at 10:31 am

    Looks Mouthwatering.

    Reply
  3. Helen

    May 3, 2009 at 2:06 pm

    YES! Marmite and cucumber sandwiches! One of my all time favourite sangers.

    Reply
  4. Ceebs

    May 3, 2009 at 10:12 pm

    The lightest scones I’ve ever tasted, and crumpets I could eat till I die.

    Too many things that melted in the mouth

    Reply
  5. Kavey

    May 4, 2009 at 2:48 pm

    Truly, it all looks soooo superb!

    Reply
  6. thora

    May 4, 2009 at 7:22 pm

    Congratulations, this must have been a wonderful afternoon and all of those goodies look simply great.

    Reply
  7. The Curious Cat

    May 5, 2009 at 10:45 am

    Okay, that does it, I have to come to your underground restaurant – I simply have to. Not only to sample this delicious food but also just to chat with you about cooking and stuff. I want out of the office and into the kitchen! Need to get stuck into cooking properly…!

    Reply
  8. RICK TERROR

    May 6, 2009 at 1:36 pm

    Wow! what a surprise!
    I thought that being a friend or commentatot to Stewart your blog would be another theme…
    Well, I’ve collceted recipes from magazines over the years, mostly from magazines, just for the pictures.
    My country is more sophisticated that you were able to seen back in 90, the problem is (for me) that good food is a field mostly visited by the richies here, but since the economic growth for the middle classes (after you were here), fancy restaurants and careers related are abundant.
    About resources, I think we have a lot of delicious things. Unfortunately, in the average home, lack of time to cook is a problem, due to everyone going out to work a lot to earn a lot of money to taste delicious things from restaurants.
    Now , ecological issues are endangering our resources, as seafood precisely. We have 2000+ kms of shore and this is a new and worrying situation.
    But land is not expensive and that european dream of living freely and autonomously working the land is still very possible, but you won’t have a big fancy plasma at your shack.
    I tasted marmite in England and they told me that you people divided in two bands; those who hate it and those who love it. I tasted a commercial brand, though. I guess is something you have to get from more home made sources.

    Reply
  9. MsMarmitelover

    May 6, 2009 at 2:49 pm

    Hi there Rick,
    Wow your comment is almost longer than the post!
    I am a friend of Stewart Home. I also have another blog travelswithmyteenager.blogspot.com which is slightly more connected with his world I guess.
    I imagine things have changed considerably in Chile since I was there in ’89/90. People were still quite cowed at that time. The average wage was $50 a month and yet prices were quite expensive.
    There was an amazing range of sea food that I have not seen elsewhere.
    But many of the restaurants were fast food outlets, fried chicken etc. I saw less unAmerican indigenous foods than in other South American countries.
    Glad to hear things have changed.

    Reply
  10. Lennie Nash

    May 6, 2009 at 4:49 pm

    Great post as always! Very envious of your stunning photos as well.

    Lennie

    Reply
  11. Alex

    May 7, 2009 at 4:21 pm

    Wish I could have come for the cocktail alone…

    Loving the authentic Victorian scullery maids and matching washing up liquid. Totally sets the scene.

    Reply
  12. Anonymous

    May 9, 2009 at 2:07 pm

    I keep on coming back to your blog to check out your latest intricate creations! Very impressive! 🙂
    Can you beam over some of those green tea stars? 😀
    Btw I’ve just tried out a ‘scones’ recipe from the American Southwest. Maybe you could expand on that and have an ‘Arizonan Tea’ or ‘Desert Tea’ one day 😉

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

MsMarmiteLover aka Kerstin Rodgers.

Chef, photographer, author, journalist, blogger. Pioneer of the supperclub movement.

This is my food and travel blog, with recipes, reviews and travel stories. I also stray into politics, feminism, gardening.

Subscribe to my mailing list

msmarmitelover

Kerstin Rodgers/MsMarmiteLover
Visiting another Etnean village, Bronte, which is Visiting another Etnean village, Bronte, which is celebrated for the pistachio. Around the snowy crater, you see twisted gnarled branches of ancient pistachio trees. In Bronte you can buy pistachio cream, pistachio pesto, pistachio cannoli, pancakes, pistachio coffee, panettone, you name it. The pistachio is red on the outside and green on the inside. I’d love to visit during the harvest. In October when they have a pistachio festival. Pistachios are related to cashews and mangos. #italy #sicily #solotravel
Yesterday I visited Noto in Sicily. It’s famous Yesterday I visited Noto in Sicily. It’s famous for baroque architecture. The churches, shops and streets are ready for Christmas, with nativity scenes, lights and wrapped presents. The light is beautiful, softly golden, as it is in all of these villages under the eaves of Mount Etna, puffing innocently in the background. Sicily has so much to discover. Of course I had an orange, olive and fennel salad. #citrus #travel #sicily #noto
Went to see the orange groves of @la_.deliziosa_ i Went to see the orange groves of @la_.deliziosa_ in Sicily, under the eaves of mount Etna which is glowing orange with streams of lava making their way down the snowy verges. The air smells of charcoal, smoke and occasionally sulphur. This grove is seven years old. The oranges 🍊 have stretch marks like the swollen belly of a pregnant woman. They will be ready to pick in two weeks. #citrusseason #sicily
The most brilliant focaccia from the Puglia region The most brilliant focaccia from the Puglia region, hot, oily, crispy, with sweet cherry 🍒 tomatoes, green olives and plenty of salt- which we ate in the fields with the farmers. Food always tastes better when eaten outside. @commissioneuvadatavola
More bits done to my dining room. Painting the bar More bits done to my dining room. Painting the bare woodwork in @littlegreenepaintcompany, moving furniture around, building a spice cupboard. Tablecloth from @dunelmuk I’m off to Naples and Sicily today so it’s all a bit rushed. More tidying, painting organising on my return. Hey interiors people, paint companies, homeware and tableware companies- I’m up for collabs! #tablescape #crockery #kitchens #diningrooms #pantry #reclaimedwindows #spicecupboards #scallops #stripes #rawplaster #london
I went to an amazing @yenirakiglobal lunch today @ I went to an amazing @yenirakiglobal lunch today @ruyalondon a gorgeous Turkish restaurant just off Park lLne. It was hosted by the lovely drink expert @douglasblyde (Evening Standard drinks columnist). It was nice to see some old faces from the blogging world. I loved the ‘Istanbul- bull’ cocktail made from elderflower ginger beer and Rami with a sliver of cucumber. We had a demonstration on how to make khachapuri Turkish style. In turkey they say ‘let’s go for a raki’ meaning shots of raki with mezze. The sea bass with a pistachio crust was a great match as was the smoked salmon with pink peppercorns. Raki goes great with fish. I also loved the ‘lonely’ dip ‘rafik’ which is something you order when you are lonely- then everybody joins you.  Raki is sometimes referred to as ‘lions milk’ because it goes white when you add water and it puts hairs on your chest. Raki is made from wild fennel and grape way de vie. Fennel, like liquorice, is 13  times sweeter than sugar. First week of December is #worldrakiday #raki #turkey #turkishfood
Christmas present suggestions for foodies: a month Christmas present suggestions for foodies: a monthly subscription to @thetinnedfishmarket I love the packaging, it’s so useful to have in the pantry for last minute meals. The top three tins are from the November selection: tuna, sardines and mackerel. The bottom 3 tins are anchovies, stuffed calamari and smoked oysters. I recently used their tinned smoked tuna in a recipe- it’s a revelation. I often buy my daughter tinned fish for birthday or Christmas #christmasgiftsideas #subscriptions #christmasforfoodies #tinnedfish #foodpackaging
Berenjenas de la abuela con miel. This is my Sagit Berenjenas de la abuela con miel. This is my Sagittarian recipe for @holidaygoddessguide sag loves fiery hot fried food, purple is Jupiter’s colour, and Spain a sag country. This tapas recipe is a dead cert for the archer. Topped with Venusian honey… #astrology #planetarydiet #recipes #tapas
I made Mas Huni, a Maldivian breakfast dish, using I made Mas Huni, a Maldivian breakfast dish, using smoked tuna from @thetinnedfishmarket I like a savoury breakfast and this hits the spot. I have a post up on the blog tomorrow by Mary Wedgewood who has just spent a year teaching in the Maldives- a very different experience from the sun, sand and luxury you get in the resorts. #tinnedfish #maldives #mashuni
Last night I went to see @lacliquetheshow in a spi Last night I went to see @lacliquetheshow in a spiegeltent (a kind of wooden tent) in Leicester Square, London. A series of neo-circus acts, some rather saucy with a wonderful torch singer with top bants entertained us. A real Christmas treat- it’s only on for 8 weeks. Probably not for children although I recall my parents taking me and my younger brother and sister to see the original cast of the Rocky Horror Show in kings road. Us kids were gob smacked yet inspired.  @multitudemedia thank you  #cabaret #circus #christmastheatre #london
A quick butternut squash soup in the @vitamixuk wi A quick butternut squash soup in the @vitamixuk with Austrian pumpkin oil and pistachios as I’d run out of pumpkin seeds. Served in enamel mugs (I love enamel, it’s lightweight and unbreakable . The chips just give it more character. #soup #autumn #enamelware
I went to the most fabulous dinner tonight in this I went to the most fabulous dinner tonight in this old theatre near London Bridge, with actors playing the roles of famous French cheeses. The food was great, the company charming, the atmosphere, like being at the Kit Kat club in cabaret, and le fromage divine. #enjoyitsfromeurope #cheeseatheart #cheesesfromfrance #frenchloveaffair
Lebu or Bengali lemon in Whitechapel. These are so Lebu or Bengali lemon in Whitechapel. These are so floral. You just use the zest, there isn’t much juice or flesh. A pound each which is cheap. Just turn left out of Whitechapel station and most of the greengrocers have them. Do not confuse with lime. These are big and knobbly. #london #citrus #elizabethline #bengalifood
Incredibly cute single grilled sandwich maker made Incredibly cute single grilled sandwich maker made in Singapore @brunohotplateuk it comes in pink, lilac and red. It has multiple attachments for donuts, tarts, waffles, taiyaki fish waffles. Going to try it out tomorrow. Love the design and colours, it’s sturdiness- it’s metal. It’s sort of barbie industrial. #kaiwai #kitchengadgets #design #toasties #taiyaki #
Home grown poblano chillies. They didn’t reach t Home grown poblano chillies. They didn’t reach the size of one’s from Mexico, which are more like bell papers. But it’s virtually impossible to get fresh poblanos in the UK. It’s a shame as they are very mild, a more interesting flavour than bell peppers. They are wonderful stuffed, in soup or to make the Mexican national dish - poblanos with walnut sauce. #londongarden #londonmexicanfood
I’ve been doing the tube game, no cheating, no c I’ve been doing the tube game, no cheating, no conferring. This score means I’m officially a nerd according to @helenlewisposts I’ve always thought if I were kidnapped and held in solitary Terry Waite style, that this is how I’d pass my time, remembering every stop on the London Underground. They should do one for the paris metro. I lived in paris for 5 years so I wonder how I’d do with that. This is the link if you want to have a go: https://london.metro-memory.com
Russell Norman’s latest book Brutto @bru.tto all Russell Norman’s latest book Brutto @bru.tto all about florentine food and Tuscan recipes. Beautifully designed, great photos. Recipes include florence favourites such as panini con lampredotto ( tripe- not for me thanks), schiacciata, negronis. Can’t say I’m a fan of salt less Tuscan bread though ( introduced due to the salt tax) but Russell explains it’s never supposed to be eaten on its own but as a mop for highly flavoured sauce. There are a lot of neat recipes but also plenty of vegetarian ones. Want to try the sugar caramelised pecorino. The book has the Russell Norman trademark of an exposed and stitched spine. Lovely design as ever. One for the Christmas lists. Also thankyou to @eburybooks for their quick efficiency in sending me the book. I do review books: for my blog, for social media and also for newspapers. Yet I struggle to get hard copies of books- looking @murdochbooks_uk for instance. I’ve asked for @tessakiros and @missfoodwise latest books but impossible. Sometimes publishers say we can send an e version. NO! Books are physical objects: the paper, the typeface the feel are all important otherwise I’ll just read a website. Also writers get paid SO little the least publishers can do is send you an actual book. Do they expect us to buy the copies? I find they’ll often send some shitty little TV cook or minor celebrity book or my particular personal horror- wellness books- but not actually something you want to review. Rant over. Not the authors fault but the publishers. #cookbook #review #publishers
Ophelias first birthday party. I made a smash cake Ophelias first birthday party. I made a smash cake: something babies have now, which means they can ‘smash’ it or plunge their face in. It was sugar free, gluten free etc. but Ophelia was rather refined while picking at it. She’s a little lady. Lots of presents, food, cakes, babies, tears and tantrums ( the latter from mum and grandma) #granfluencer
Happy first birthday to my granddaughter Ophelia. Happy first birthday to my granddaughter Ophelia. It’s brilliant being a grandma, nostalgia for the time my daughter was a baby. Having children is so interesting. It’s hard but worth it. I’m making her a smash cake for her party tomorrow. Find out more then… #granfluencer #ophelia #firstbirthday  1) & 2) Ophelia aprés Dégas  3) munchkin pumpkin.  4) winsome  5) bit rheumy with her mum.  6) trying on grandma’s sliders.  7) she has a teeny light up electric toothbrush with which she can clean her 4 teeth.  8) dress from portobello £2 and she has the most brilliant laugh.  9) her eyes have now turned golden brown but here she still had the new born’s blue eyes.
As it’s #worldpastaday I’ve made a little reel As it’s #worldpastaday I’ve made a little reel of my few days in Firenze or Florence. It’s horrendously crowded but glowing with golden romance. At the central market you can eat the local focaccia sandwiches ‘schiacciata’ often with tripe ‘lampredotto’ (boak), or pasta with truffles. Elsewhere you can drink affogato , a small coffee with gelato, you can walk over the pontevecchio bridge, lined with glinting jewellery shops, you can visit the uffizi gallery, the painted ceilings, the cherubs, the somber and carnal portraits, you can crane your neck up to the green and cream marble stripes of the churches, you can visit the paper makers of hand marbled stationery, and at the end of the day you drink a perfect sunset negroni with aperitivo snacks then take the tram to your hotel and plan to visit again when it’s quieter. When is it quiet? January? October was rammed. #travelandfood #solotravel #florence #firenze #italy
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Archives

Copyright © 2023 msmarmitelover