A Very English Victoria Sponge

Finally, I am actually quite proud of myself. Today I have managed to bake a cake that, for once, doesn't resemble the back end of a baboon. I decided to try the classic Victoria sponge, with butter-cream and raspberry jam. Very posh darling!

Now all I need is to make little cucumber sandwhiches and a pot of tea, and i've completed the English stereotype! Here is the simple recipe I used...

All you need is...

• 200g caster sugar
• 200g softened butter
• 4 eggs , beaten
• 200g self-raising flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 2 tbsp milk

1. Heat oven to 190C. Butter two sandwich tins (again don't ask me the sizes of these, I have no clue. But I'm sure it will work for you if it works for me!). 
2. In a large bowl, beat all the cake ingredients together until you have a smooth, soft batter.
3. Divide the mixture between the tins, smooth the surface with the back of a spoon, then bake for about 20 mins until golden and the cake springs back when pressed. I always insert a sharp knife in the center, if it comes out clean then it is done. Take out of the tins and leave to cool completely.

To make the butter-cream filling you will need...

100g butter , softened
140g icing sugar , sifted
340g jar good-quality raspberry jam 
icing sugar and berries, to decorate

Beat the butter until smooth and creamy, then gradually beat in icing sugar. 

Spread the jam over the top of one of the sponges. 

Then spread the butter-cream over the jam. This will do fine, though I decided to add raspberries in the center as well to create more depth.  

Once you have layered the remaining sponge on top you can decorate how you life. I decided to add raspberries and blackberries, and dust with a little icing sugar.

 Oh it brings back memories of the Queen's Jubilee!

Downton Is Back

Finally! After waiting months and months, Sunday nights have become good again. The fear of Monday Morning Blues have been erased by the good ol' Sunday feeling of snuggling up on the sofa with a cup of tea and a Hobnob, and watching the dramas of the Downton household.

The award-winning writer Julian Fellowes has finally gifted us with the third series of ITV1's Downton Abbey, and it fails to disappoint. As it's most avid fan, Sunday nights have become my favourite part of the week. I refuse to leave the house for ANYTHING, and my boyfriend knows not to phone me if he wants a happy relationship.

The third series, set in the 1920s, sees Downton and all it's lovely characters pretty much the same, which is perfect. Mathew is still handsome, Sybil still sweet,  and Edith still spiteful. As always, Carson remains the stern and dutiful head of the staff, and the Dowager Countess still creates moments of hilarity with her sharp retorts and quick wit.

The only difference is, instead of Mathew and Mary's constant bickering, we finally see them in love and planning their wedding (hurrah!). I'm not embarrassed to admit that I have a girl crush on both characters, and literally melted inside when watching their snowy Christmas kiss. Oh the romance! Also, the arrival of Cora's mother played by Shirley MacLaine is a hilarious addition to the household, and a lot of hysterical bickering between her and the Dowager Countess is sure to come.

All in all, the first episode failed to disappoint, my Sunday night feel complete. I'm preparing the tea and hobnobs and counting down the days to this Sunday already! If you haven't watched the first episode already, Mary's wedding dress is sure to make you swoon!
http://www.itv.com/downtonabbey/