How could I not write something British today, right? After all, it is the wedding of century so far, and weddings are things of fairy tales – at least for William and Kate. But here’s my gripe; I have seen guest list after guest list printed here and there, and there are no bloggers that I could find. Hey – I could find out what the Royal chefs cook; maybe they even have a cookbook or two. See? I could fit on this list, don’t you think?? I could splash out in London! I should have sent them my business card…
Oh, well. I suppose I should not throw a wobbly. Instead, I went to my cookbook shelves and found two delightful little books on British teas and tea time treats. One of them tells us that the Duchess of Bedford, in Victorian days, instituted tea with pastries at 5:00 in order to counteract her “sinking feeling” between luncheon and dinner. Afternoon tea is that glorious English contribution to the world’s gastronomic menus. I love tea time. I have many British ancestors, so I suppose it’s in my blood. In Victorian days, afternoon tea was quite a serious occasion, and society ladies were renowned for their prowess at tea-making. There would be a selection of dainty little sandwiches filled with wafer-thin cucumber, and fancy biscuits, which had to be dry in texture so as not to soil the guests’ fingers, along with various delicious cakes. All were presented and served on the finest and most delicate bone china, with tiny silver teaspoons and tea served from a silver teapot. Country afternoon teas contrasted strongly with high society; farmhouse teas with home-baked crusty bread, thickly sliced and buttered; home-cured hams, cheeses, and a good wholesome fruitcake, and scones spread thickly with clotted cream. I had the fancy afternoon version at the Savoy Hotel in London to celebrate a birthday a few years back. I dearly loved London, and look forward to returning. I could have gone had I been on that blasted guest list, but that was not blooming likely. I guess I should belt up and get back to writing about cookbooks. (How do you like some of my Brit words so far?)
I’m sure it was just an oversight. Having a blogger write about the royal wedding food would have been a great idea. Maybe they’ll correct that oversight when the “spare” gets married.