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Named after Queen Victoria who enjoyed a slice with her afternoon tea, this may seem a bit old fashioned (classic) in our hemp and chia seed world but it remains a favourite in all circles. Recipes are vigorously debated by baking aficionados (punch-ups at WI meetings) as to the mix and quantities of ingredients, to achieve the perfect combination of consistency, crumb, and flavour. Here’s my take.
Ingredients:
200gms unsalted butter
200gms caster sugar
200gms self raising flour
2 tbsp milk
1 tsp baking powder
4 eggs
Filling:
150gms strawberry jam
140gms icing sugar
100gms unsalted butter (soft)
A few drops vanilla extract
Optional – fruit to decorate
Method:
Preheat oven to 170⁰C
Line and grease two 20cm round sandwich tins. Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each one. Add remaining ingredients and mix well. Divide mixture evenly between the 2 tins and bake for appx 20 mins, until cakes are golden on top and spring back when pressed.
Once they are ready allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
For the filling, beat the butter, icing sugar and vanilla together until you have a smooth, light buttercream – this can take a few minutes. For the bottom layer of the cake you may need to level off the top. Spread the jam on the top of the bottom cake, spread the buttercream on the base of the top cake, and then sandwich together.
Dust the top with icing sugar, decorate with fresh fruit.Enjoy.
Gaby Van Clarke
Pastissets are a traditional biscuit, part of the rich culinary heritage of Menorca, one of Spain’s Balearic Islands just north of Mallorca. Similar to shortbread but with a coarser crumbly texture, they're especially popular around Christmas, Easter, and Saint's days.