THE TEA

Now you may have celebrated the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee recently with a tea party of your own, but have you ever wondered what the Queen’s favourite tea and cake combination is? Well according to Darren McGrady, who’s a former Royal Chef, Her Majesty likes to begin the day with a cup of Earl Grey with a splash of milk and no sugar. In the afternoon, she might swap out her Earl Grey for a cup of Darjeeling, which has a delicate, sweet and musky flavour.
 

THE CAKE

So we can safely assume that at a tea party the Queen will pick either Earl Grey or Darjeeling – but what about the cake? Chef McGrady says it’s chocolate biscuit cake, which we think sounds delicious. He says, “It is her favourite cake that she eats until it is all gone. If there is anything left when she has it at Buckingham Palace, it then goes to Windsor Castle so she can finish it there.”

Chocolate biscuit cake is rich, with a crunchy texture that comes from Rich Tea biscuits. Want to know how this royal delight is made? Then you’re in luck because we have the recipe here, courtesy of the former Royal Chef himself!

You’ll need:

• - 1/2 teaspoon butter, for greasing the pan
• - 8 ounces Rich tea biscuits or sweet cookies
• - 4 ounces unsalted butter, softened
• - 4 ounces granulated sugar
• - 4 ounces dark chocolate
• - 1 egg
• - 8 ounces dark chocolate, for the icing

PREPARATION

1. Lightly grease a 6-inch-by-2½-inch cake tin with the butter and place on a tray on a sheet of parchment paper.

2. Break each of the biscuits into small pieces and set aside.

3. In a large bowl, mix the butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy.

4. Melt the 4 ounces of the dark chocolate and add to the butter mixture, stirring constantly.

5. Beat in the egg then fold in the biscuit pieces until they’re coated with chocolate.

6. Spoon the mixture into the tin and chill for at least 3 hours.

7. Remove the cake from the refrigerator and let it stand.

8. Meanwhile, melt the 8 ounces of dark chocolate in a saucepan over low heat. Turn the cake out of the tin and pour over the chocolate. Smooth out the top and sides with a palette knife.

9. Allow the chocolate to set at room temperature – and enjoy!

Why not have your own tea party before or after your trip to see the Tiger Who Came to Tea show? It’s one of the best activities in London this summer and you can enjoy the Queen’s favourites to make it extra special. If you’re looking for things to do in London with kids, don’t miss out – book your tickets today!