Hello, darlings!
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Well, I say! what a wonderful start to the festive season, as Miss Windsor hosted a glittering “soiree” at the one and only – The Ritz London, Piccadilly! Where I dined and caroused my delightful compeers with the Christmas themed afternoon tea – famously known as “Tea at the Ritz”.

Darlings, before I tell you all about my festive afternoon tea experience, which includes an unfortunate misadventure of being incarcerated inside a beautifully decorated toilet cubical! I wish to fortify your mind with some fascinating and historical facts about The Ritz London.

The Ritz London, created by the Swiss hotelier – Cesar Ritz, swung open its doors on the 24th May 1906. This stupendous Grade II listed building was built in the Franco-American style, and oozes the traditional architecture of Paris – Ooh, la, la!

​It’s luxurious and “ritzy” interior was designed in the Louis XVI style, and no doubt satisfied the extravagant taste of London’s high society and beyond, thus being hailed as one of the world’s most magnificent and best-known hotels.

This world-renown hotel was a favourite haunt for patrons such as The Prince of Wales (future King Edward VII) who once quoted, “Where Ritz goes, I go!”. Also, Hollywood star Charlie Chaplin, Winston Churchill, English playwright Sir Noel Coward (who wrote Children of The Ritz – at The Ritz London!), Jackie Onassis, Sir Roger Moore, HM Queen Elizabeth II – Oh, and her royal counterpart – Miss Windsor!
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Now darlings, due to my party arriving a touch early, I headed straight for The Rivoli Bar (cocktail lounge) for a pre-afternoon tea drinkie, where I thoroughly enjoyed a cocktail – the decadent – 1906. Indeed, this served as the perfect foundation for Miss Windsor’s champagne lavished afternoon tea.

Moving onto the Palm Court – an extremely grand room luxuriously decorated in the Louis XVI style. Mirrored panels, gold gilding and a dash of blush pink bedeck the walls and ceiling. Marble columns welcome you to be seated, and at this time of year, they’re dazzling with red and gold decorations, plus the added curiosity of garlands made from Royal Worcester bone china cups and saucers!

Now feeling rather peckish and a smitch thirsty, I ordered the afternoon tea goodies including a pot of The Ritz Christmas Spice Tea. Oh, plus a couple of flutes of Reserve Ritz Champagne Barons De Rothschild – only the best will do for Miss Windsor!

​The champagne arrived promptly, soon followed by the tea, along with the expected paraphernalia which one presumes was made of REAL silver! Darlings, what a frightfully traumatic experience it would’ve turned out to be if Miss Windsor once again faced her “aversion” to stainless steel!

I was thrilled when our afternoon tea pageantry arrived – tiers of sandwiches and cakes presented on a silver stand graced the Royal Worchester plates. The scones, strawberry jam and clotted cream appeared soon after. And I must admit my favourite finger sandwich was the ham with grain mustard mayonnaise on sliced brioche – heaven on earth.

Then between alternate sips of tea and champagne, whilst listening to the harmonious choir serenade us with Christmas classics, I managed to devour two freshly baked, dove-feather soft scones – one of which was a rather fruity sort! Both slathered with a thick, velvety layer of Rodda’s Cornish clotted cream, followed by a generous dollop of Tiptree strawberry jam.

However, Miss Windsor was bitterly disappointed with her slice of Christmas Cake. It was dry, crumbly and tasted a tad gingery, yet it lacked the warm and festive flavour of mixed spice; and thank goodness there were no plastic-like glace cherries in sight! Instead, one expected to nibble on succulent pieces of sultanas, raisins and currants, but sadly these seldom made an appearance in this festive classic.

Darlings, now feeling stuffed like a turkey, I galloped along to the entrance of the ladies powder room (translation: restroom) and clung onto the brass railings as I hurried down the red-carpeted stairs.

​One found oneself in a glamorous seating area tastefully decorated with baby doll pink wooden panelled walls, plus the added charm of pink marble-topped tables and basins. Also, a “Thulian” pink, silk-covered sofa sat perfectly perched in front of a hand-painted mural of a water-themed Grecian paradise.

So, I quickly flew into the nearest cubical and powdered one’s nose – of course! Once perfectly powdered I tried to open the door, but to my surprise, it wouldn’t open. On closer inspection, I realised a couple of screws were hanging from the door handle – Oh, dearie me!

Darlings, Miss Windsor is known to carry many things in her handbag, but not the likes of a screwdriver! Now, consumed with panic I wished to be liberated, therefore, I reached for my trusty mobile phone and attempted to call reception, but there was no signal – eek!

By this time, I had a vision of spending the night incarcerated in my very own “suite” at The Ritz London, albeit it was a beautifully decorated toilet cubical. Now eager to return to my party there was one more option left, so with a clenched fist I forcefully banged the door and shouted, “Hello, hello – anyone there?”. Eventually, after a few minutes of intense banging a fellow patron came to my rescue, and like a miracle, the door flung open – ​phew!

Indeed, I reported my unexpected sufferance to the reception, and was immediately showered with a profusion of apologies. Nevertheless, Miss Windsor had a wonderful time at The Ritz London, and shall certainly return soon to plough my way through the cocktail menu – starting with the Iron Lady!

Please click on the image below, for Miss Windsor’s spiffing article about Christmas Afternoon Tea at The Ritz, London!

​Cheerio for now,

Miss Windsor x

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Hello, darlings!

Following the joys of Stir-Up Sunday I’ve surprisingly woken up bright and early, but I wonder what you’re up to?

Maybe you’re still in the land of nod, nestled within the warm layers of your soft, brushed, cotton duvet – How blissful! Or possibly I’ve startled you from your sleep and now you’re walking like a zombie towards the kettle – definitely time for a cuppa! Either way, I’m going to tell you all about Mrs Beeton’s Traditional British Christmas Pudding – which I recreated, of course, with a bit of a Miss Windsor twist!

Darlings, but before I proceed, I do wonder if you know what Stir-Up Sunday actually is? “Hmm, please do tell Miss Windsor,” I hear you grunt from deep within your bedclothes!

You see, following a Victorian yet religious tradition one should make their Christmas pudding on the last Sunday before Advent begins. It’s a special time when family gather together and take it in turns to stir the pudding mixture, whilst making a wish for the year ahead. Traditionally charms were added such as a silver coin which represents wealth – now, isn’t that spiffing!

To be honest, darlings, I’m feeling rather exhilarated, yet a touch drowsy following the Stir-Up Sunday kitchen merriment! Therefore, as I sit perched staring at the London skyline, whilst supping on Twining’s Christmas Blend Tea from my favourite dainty teacup, I’m shocked to observe the cruelty of the British weather, which rather dampens the festive spirit – do you agree?

The relentless rain coupled with the blustery wind that swirls angrily between the gangly trees – Oh, what a glorious morning! One can only surmise that Miss Windsor stirred the pudding mixture so vigorously, unaware that she’d actually “cooked up” more than a culinary storm!

So, in a fraught attempt to restore the spirit of Christmas – I have succumbed to the tried and tested method of music. In this case, I will perform a sing-a-long to the high-spirited carol of We Wish You a Merry Christmas! One would say it’s quite an appropriate choice, considering it contains the following line, “Oh, bring us a Figgy pudding and a cup of good cheer!” – well, in Miss Windsor’s case a teacup of Twinings Christmas Blend Tea!
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However, according to my research, some oddly believe that the American term – figgy pudding – is a kind of soufflé or just another name for Christmas pudding. Nevertheless, it’s a steamed, spicy, fruity kinda pudding come cake, that can be made with “figs” or any other dried fruit that has been lavishly drenched in alcohol.

Now, a little bit of history about the world-famous Christmas pudding. It originates from England and began life in the 14th century as a pottage called “frumenty”, which was a kind of broth type soup made with beef/mutton, wine, spice, and fruit. Then it evolved over the years until the Victorians referred to it as plum pudding, or by the common title of Christmas pudding. Please note plums refer to raisins or any kind of dried fruit.
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Darlings, now onto Mrs Beeton’s delightful recipe – made with chopped beef suet, spices, rum or brandy, desiccated coconut, breadcrumbs, mixed peel, milk, and so on, which I merrily recreated with an extra special “twist” – How fancy!

So, I jazzed up my version by roughly chopping the dried fruit, then soaking it for a week (few days will suffice) in dark Lambs Navy Rum. Then I added dark brown sugar – in fact, Mrs Beeton’s recipe called for no sugar at all!

I also opted for brown breadcrumbs instead of white. You see, I believe all these additions actually deepen the colour, and prevents your pudding from looking rather “anaemic”!

Now, before you have a good ol’ go at recreating this heavenly pud, Miss Windsor suggests that you make two generous sized puddings, instead of an extra-large one – as previously recommended by Mrs Beeton – which would certainly feed a family of ten!

Therefore, serve one this year, then having spoon-fed your second pud with dark rum or brandy all year round, it will have matured by intensifying the flavours, thus improving the texture in readiness for your next festive knees-up!

Darlings, here’s the link to my version of Mrs Beeton’s Traditional British Christmas Pudding! 
​Or why not tune in to Miss Windsor’s YouTube channel for a chucklesome “one-to-one” tutorial, and learn how to make your very own Christmas pudding from scratch!

Enjoy with a drop or two of brandy butter, thick cream or custard!

Miss Windsor x

The post The History of Stir-Up Sunday & The Christmas Pudding! appeared first on Miss Windsor's Delectables.

Hello, darlings!

Mrs Simkins and I have joined together in “matrimony” – Ha, ha, got you there! Of course, I meant to say the beauteous Meghan (real name: Rachel!) and dashing Harry (real name: Henry!) exchanged vows on Saturday 19th May 2018 and became the Duke and Duchess of Sussex – curtesy, please! Indeed, I wish them every happiness in their covenant of LOVE.

Moving onto my spiffing collaboration with Mrs Simkins. You see, to complement her scrumptious Lemon and Elderflower Butterfly Cakes, which tastefully mirror the married couple’s glorious wedding cake of lemon and elderflower sponge decorated with Swiss meringue. I sourced an extra special tea created by Fortnum and Mason of London – The Wedding Bouquet Blend – which commemorates the marriage of Miss Windsor’s royal counterparts.

At first glance, this rather appealing blend of tea that looks awfully like “potpourri”; not at all like a wedding “bouquet” as it states on the tin, quite astoundingly smells like a packet of Rowntree’s Polos! And although it comprises of an abundance of ingredients: green jasmine tea, rose petals, blue cornflower petals, that darn peppermint sadly overrides the lot!

Of course, and it goes without saying, I prepared this creative concoction using my prized Brown Betty teapot. I dare say, Brown Betty really enjoyed being part of the gaiety and revelled in the experience of brewing a royal blend in her magnificent trunk! 

Now, I know you’re dying to find out about the taste, and, if Miss Windsor deems it an appropriate choice of tea for “tying the knot”, so to speak! Well, once brewed for approximately 2-3 minutes one poured oneself a generous cup. It looked slightly yellowy/beige in colour, which I thought would work perfectly well with Mrs Simkins’s fluttery Lemon and Elderflower Butterfly Cakes – visually a great match.  

As I gently took a sip I noted how extremely smooth it was delivered, and settled upon one’s refined palate with such ease and grace – one wouldn’t expect anything less from London’s finest, Fortnum and Mason. I was then greeted by an explosion of flavours – it was quite a thrill!

First off, I was mesmerised by the mellow yet tangy taste of the green jasmine tea, which I presumed would be accompanied by a touch of English rose – unfortunately, that didn’t quite occur! Therefore, I do wonder if the addition of rose petals, just like the blue cornflower type were merely for decorative purposes? If so they certainly added charm to an English country garden version of potpourri, or according to Fortnum and Mason – a wedding bouquet.

I must say, for a scanty while my taste buds swarmed with sheer delight, until smack, bang, wallop, I was hit by an intensely refreshing dose of peppermint! Although it was pleasingly vibrant; this particular ingredient was somewhat overwhelming, and with great annoyance lingered in one’s throat – rather like the sensation of “toothpaste”!  

​Darlings, I believe this tea is of an acquired taste, and to be frank, it struggled to get me in the mood for wedding bells. However, saying that, I believe it’s the ultimate tonic to be quaffed before you walk down the aisle in preparation for your wedding kiss, as it will freshen one’s breath and clear one’s nose – the incredible power of dual-action.

I do hope you royally enjoyed my “tea-tastic” review of The Wedding Bouquet Blend Tea!

Miss Windsor x

Mrs Simkins delightful response to my review:

“My dear, I have finally found a moment to try the wedding tea you so kindly sent me. It’s odd, but possibly the other way round from you, although I thought it looked so pretty, I was expecting not to actually like it very much! But I did! In fact I loved it!

As you know, I’m not a great one for herbal and flower teas, but I do quite like mint tea, and one of my favourite teas of all time is Lady Grey blend from Northern Teas, a gorgeous Earl Grey with blue cornflowers. 

Anyway, I brewed the wedding tea in my 2 cup Cornishware blue betty – just the right size, I thought – using 3 heaped teaspoons and boiling water to the top. I waited 3 minutes and poured. I debated using a tea strainer but decided against it, the leaves fall to the bottom anyway leaving the tea clear. I took some fresh dry rose petals and cornflower florets from the jar and floated them on top. I love the way the cornflowers open out in the hot liquid: it’s the same with the Lady Grey blend.

I let it cool for a while and took a sip. My dear, I know exactly what you mean: but I found it mellow and refreshing, I liked the mint tempered with the Green Jasmine and I loved the floating petals. My pot ran to 2½ dainty tea cups and I drank it all!

It’s fascinating isn’t it? How different all our palates are? And how our preconceived expectations as to whether we will like something or not are constantly being challenged!

Really, my dear, if you aren’t keen, send it over to me, I’ll have it! Bless you and thank you again”.

Mrs Simkins X

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Hello, darlings!

First off, apologies for the slight delay in publishing my frightfully spiffing experience about Somerset Day, Bishops Lydeard, Taunton, which took place at the village hall on Saturday 12th May.

“But what the heck is Somerset Day?” I hear you splutter! Well, it’s a DAY that celebrates Somerset as a place to live, work or play. In fact, you’ll be pleased to know that this wonderful event raised money for St Margaret’s Somerset Hospice and Greenway Community Hall – round of applause, please!  

But before we proceed, here’s a little tip: the title of the village is pronounced Bishops “Lid-e-ard” not “Lid-eeerd” – “Oooh aar! oooh aar!” as Farmer Giles is known to trumpet – ta very muchly!

So, during my brief but a most enlightening trip to the land of my heart – dear old Somerset – I stayed at the ye-olde Lethbridge Arms, which is nestled within Bishops Lid-e-ard’s magnificent bosom (Oh, I say!). A truly charming village which is located near the Quantock Hills, and peppered with quaint chocolate-box cottages and rows of terrace abodes – oh, and one mustn’t forget the odd tree, plus a rather impressive church, St. Mary the Virgin. 

You see, Miss Windsor who is a born and bred West-Country lass was invited as a special guest by a darling lady and keen “Yarnbomer” (more about that later) who organised this incredible event that unites the community through charity, craft, creativity and cake – plus a chinwag over a cup of Miles tea! I say this “village treasure” is indeed a pillar of her local community, and on Twitter bestowed herself the suitable title of Kathy Somerset – fancy that! 

As part of the gaiety, I relished the opportunity, and so introduced myself to many of the participants: Val Stones – creator of “edible delectables” and star of 2016 Great British Bake-Off, the gorgeous Angie Langley – author of Jennifer Brown’s Journey and gifted wildlife photographer. 

I also met the delightfully endearing former Mayor of Taunton and director of Apple FM Radio – Cllr Marcia Hill, who interviewed Miss Windsor for the Community Matters show (aired Tuesday 29th May). Oh, and I must divulge that Marcia absolutely adores the colour purple, as one can tell from her dazzling eyes! 

Cllr Marcia Hill​

Darlings, you may still be wondering why it took Miss Windsor so long to publish this piece…….well, along with the usual busy life events, I fear that one may have suffered from a common ailment of “memory lapse”!

Therefore, I must admit, on Bank Holiday Monday (just gone) I decided to take a sunlit jaunt to the supermarket, by foot, may I add, and as I proceeded along my merry way, I found myself drawn to my neighbour’s garden. My goodness, the alluring aroma of rose spun me into a frenzy, and so took a sniff or two of their bountiful bush.  

After two or three deep inhalations it suddenly dawned on me that approximately two weeks before I was in Somerset taking a leisurely walk through Bishops Lid-e-ard! And there I was, admiring the vibrantly coloured bunting and floral decorations that I easily mistook for the real thing – you know, an English rose, a poppy, or even a daisy! In fact, such exquisite designs were hand-knitted by the extremely talented local Yarnbomb group – star member Kathy Somerset.

​You see, I was caught up in a bit of a “Hansel and Gretel” moment, without the pebbles or bread of course; as I joyfully followed the knitted flowers and bunting that adorned the cottage gardens and main street. I say, with their aid I was ushered all the way to Daisy’s Tearooms for a spot of afternoon tea (How thrilling!).  

Darlings, during my visit to Daisy’s, I devoured a homemade scone or two and indulged in a good old proper brew – served in an English bone china cup n’ saucer, of course! I say it was such a pleasurable experience, as I became well acquainted with the marvellous Melinda – proprietor and first-class baker. 

And I also met patisserie extraordinaire – the lovely Lorraine – who made my day with a luxurious cupcake bouquet – what more could a girl want!

Now, let’s return our focus to Bishops Lid-e-ard’s village hall. It was crammed to the rafters with all sorts of stalls – Caroline Pearse of Exmoor Fudge Kitchen kindly offered me a sample of her melt-in-the-mouth Blackcurrant & Vanilla Fudge – the experience was like “angels dancing on my tongue”! 

I also stumbled across Slip Stitch – handmade by Cilla! A delightful soul who cared to show me her miscellaneous “knits” and tea cosie creations – just perfect for my Brown Betty teapots. Oh, and what about Susie Watts of So Very Vintage – the queen of shabby chic and vintage handmade gifts – who has a talent for decorating Marmite and Bovril jars!

Now darlings, it’s customary for most village hall events to be accompanied by a traditional tearoom, that usually serves weak and unpalatable tea in those faded green crockery vessels – you know “Beryl by Wood’s Ware” – the type one would find in their grannie’s pantry (Oh I say!).

Thank goodness for Miles Tea & Coffee of Porlock who supplied bags upon bags of West-Country Original Blend Tea – to be quaffed from their very own paper cups.

Also, the very generous Val Stones provided a delicious pageantry of edible delectables – scones, tea cake (made with Miles Earl Grey Tea) and apple cake (made with Thatchers Gold Cider).

Darlings, I’m sure you’re aware that a village hall event is definitely missing that spark without the excitement of a raffle! Well, this raffle was a raffle of all raffles – if you know what I mean? The table was bursting with prizes – alcoholic beverages, handmade goods, even Miles Tea & Coffee donated a basket of goodies, plus a cupcake bouquet from Lorraine’s Bakehouse, and a signed cookery book from TV chef, Phil Vickery. I say you’ll be pleased to know that the raffle raised a grand total of £328 (How spiffing!).

Miss Windsor must retire now to her soft and velvety chaise lounge, accompanied by a large tumbler of Thatchers Gold Cider – Oooh aar, Oooh aar! But before I pop off, I would like to congratulate Kathy Somerset for her unfettered efforts and dedication to “everything Somerset” – I hereby shower Kathy with a profusion of accolades.

Also, let’s raise a glass of cider to all those who helped and participated in another successful Somerset Day at Bishop Lid-e-ard – roll on year five! 

Please tune into my delightful interview with Cllr Marcia Hill – Apple FM Radio. 

Darlings, OUT SOON – my interview with Val Stones – star of 2016 Great British Bake-Off!

Cheerio for now,

Miss Windsor x

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