battenberg.
can there be a more perfect or more comforting confection?
it's doubtful.
first made in 1884 for the wedding of one of queen victoria's granddaugters to prince louis of battenberg, the cake has been an established element of the very best english high teas ever since.
whilst many cakes are best when home-made (christmas, simnel and lemon-drizzle rank high amongst them), battenberg is at its finest when consumed fresh out of a box.
when next there is a slice of marks & spencer battenberg cake on the plate in front of me, i will know that all is well in my life.
(i was, for a while, acquaintance to a battenberg
of the human variety.
we never discussed cakes. nor ate any.
on reflection i feel this ranks as a missed opportunity).
