13th July - Afternoon Tea
Our meeting this month was afternoon tea, kindly hosted by our treasurer, Carol. Her garden was transformed into an outdoor tearoom, complete with sun canopy, and tables adorned with pretty china & flowers. Lemon drizzle, Carrot cake, Victoria sponge and Scones were on the menu, we were in for a treat, or so I thought!
Unfortunately, two ladies that were making cakes were unable to attend, this meant we only had one cake and the scones. Would there be enough for everyone? did I have time to make a cake?
I’m not an accomplished cake maker by any means but I can usually manage a Victoria sponge or coffee and walnut. A quick trip to the shop to buy ingredients, a frantic phone call to borrow cake tins (don’t ask!), the sponges emerged from the oven …. as flat as pancakes. Fast running out of time, I decided to make a 3rd layer and make it into a fresh cream & strawberry gateau.
It certainly wasn’t Mary Berry, but fingers crossed it would taste better than it looked. Popping it into the footwell of my car for a 35minute drive, hoping it would be in one piece on arrival, something caught my eye. The cream had oozed out and was sliding down the sides. My gateau was becoming a cream & strawberry mess!!
“Don’t worry” Carol said when she saw it, “no one will notice, I’ll pre-cut it so it’s easier to serve”. As if anyone will want any, I thought!
Carol’s immaculately iced chocolate cake stood triumphant on its serving plate, whilst the scones were displayed temptingly on a tiered cake stand, however there really was no way that even the prettiest of serving plates could improve the appearance of my offering. Carol was very kind and took the first slice, followed by a few more brave ladies!
A couple of hours later, after much tea, cake and chatter, our afternoon came to an end.
“What became of the cakes” I hear you ask, well of course there wasn’t very much left, apart from mine that is. Not wanting to take it home again, I wondered who would gobble it up without making judgement, a quick press of the foot pedal and its mouth opened greedily. Cake deposited inside, I quickly shut the lid again so it couldn’t escape!!
