Victoria Sponge Cake

Also known as Victoria Sandwich, this was supposedly a favourite of Queen Victoria. This is likely why it seems to be strongly associated with tea. As in the British afternoon snack time. So High Tea for the Queen, and Afternoon Tea for the rest of us.

Victoria Sponge, a.k.a. Victoria Sandwich

Most versions of this seem to favour just strawberries, but I mixed in some raspberries as well. Actually very easy to make, and looks nice. It is a bit drier than I thought it would be, but I think I was confusing it in my mind with Angle Food Cake. In any case, the berry filling and cream make up for it!

Next Time: maybe try different berries, and a different type of jam.

Me: 7/10
SO: 9/10
SSO: 8/10

Quick Fennel salad

There's nothing particularly inventive or special about this salad. It is, however, a nice change from the usual lettuce with veggie blah or even fruit/cheese blah. I don't buy Fennel every day, it is a pretty strong flavour and so must be used with purpose. Usually I would combine it with orange and red onion. This time I had neither, so it was time to improvise with what was left in the fridge. That turned out to be green grapes and a few old strawberries.

Fennel and grape salad

So I pulled out the mandolin, mostly because I like to use it more than because I really needed it. Although, with fennel the thin pieces are better than thicker big pieces. Cut the green grapes in half, diced the strawberries, and finally tossed with a generous splash of sherry vinegar, the juice from half a lime, and a sprinkle of sugar.

Next time: would experiment with different fruits

Me: 8/10
SO: 5/10 (she thought the fennel was past its prime, I thought it was still ok)
SSO: 4/10