Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Downton Dreamin"~









So many scenes at Downton include a sponge cake..especially at Violet's..I had never made one..and wanted to see what they were like..
I trusted Jamie Oliver and made his w/ self raising flour..
I used a buttercream though instead and should not have..it was too sweet..but I didn't have a heavy cream..The cake is delicious and if you have a sweet tooth add some buttercream as I did..
But for pretty factor..this cake has it all:)
I made a tiny one..so I halved the recipe and put the batter in 2  4-5 inch   springform molds.
A big cake..is just too big here~

I am happy Edith has Marigold..although I admit to a  deep  sorrow for Mrs Drew. I wish she could have known and accepted this was temporary.I cannot imagine being so in love and having to say goodbye.
Mary actually bothers me..I have never suffered snobs..and have met a few.One of my daughters admires her backbone compared to Edith.I would be apt to be friends with Edith way before Mary.
I abhor Lord Merton's sons..both of them..and am not quite sure if Isobel will follow through..
Yet Lord Merton has assured her the boys take after their mother..:)Must have been a prize..I can see a pinched nose and face.
I love Tom...Feel sorry for poor Isis..but he is LOVED..What a great dog..reminds me so much of Juno..a dear dog my friend Nancy had when she lived here until he died.
Just a beautiful big sentimental dreamy dawg.
Rosamund Painswick..sorry to say is a pain to me..
I am talking about roles here:)
Anxious for the dénouement re Mr.Bates.. and wouldn't a baby be lovely for them?:)
Lady Rose and Atticus..not sure yet...Although at first sight he is charming.


Charming..very charming..as in I am smitten and so is my friend..is Sidney Chambers..
James Norton..in Grantchester..Despised him in Happy Valley..but as a vicar?
What a lovely vicar.



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65 comments:

  1. UnknownFebruary 18, 2015 at 4:26 PM

    Dear Monique, your cake is charming, yes charming indeed! Very soft and lovely. I can see it being serve in Downton Abbey drawing room-))

    Hugs,

    Yelena

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    1. La Table De NanaFebruary 18, 2015 at 5:50 PM

      I will be sorry to see this show end when it does~x

      Delete
  2. TannaFebruary 18, 2015 at 4:44 PM

    I TRIED to find this series on Netflix. No luck. I am going to have to try Amazon... because I haven't a clue about these characters other than what my knitting friends are discussing on Thursday afternoons! Ha! They are divided on Mr. Bates. The spongecake looks beautiful AND delicious. =) blessings ~ tanna

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    1. La Table De NanaFebruary 18, 2015 at 5:49 PM

      Tanna..this series..I think..is right up your alley..I can see you knitting ..that era:)

      Delete
    2. ParisbreakfastsFebruary 19, 2015 at 7:39 AM

      ITunes has it! Just dont get the $$$ HD.

      Delete
  3. From the KitchenFebruary 18, 2015 at 5:27 PM

    A delicious cake to take with tea and a discussion of Downton Abbey. I mostly agree with your comments. In the beginning, I thought Mary had backbone and intelligence. Now, I find her an insufferable bore! Cora waxes and wanes for me. She was less whiny this past week. Love Tom. I'd even match him up with Edith and send them and the little girls off to Boston. And I LOVE the vicar on Grantchester!!

    Best,
    Bonnie

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    1. La Table De NanaFebruary 18, 2015 at 5:37 PM

      Me too! Same feelings..
      All of them Bonnie..
      As if she didn't know she was flirting:)

      Delete
  4. Sam Hoffer / My Carolina KitchenFebruary 18, 2015 at 5:31 PM

    Your cake is gorgeous Monique and I'm positive delicious. I love the rose buds you've included on top. I've never made a sponge cake, but my husband's step SIL, if there's such a thing, claims her sponge cake recipe (which she's never shared) propelled her to success. Not so sure about that, but I am sure I am in love Downtown, well addicted might be a better word, and I don't want it to end. To me Lady Rose is a bit silly and immature, but there's nothing wrong with that at her age. Poor Isobe if she marries into that family, but Lord Merton seems to be an honorable man and in love with her, but If he is, why does he continue to invite problems for her with that nasty son..... It will be fun to see what happens.
    Sam
    P.S. Please forgive me if there's bad spelling or grammar. I had cataract surgery yesterday and my vision is still blurred. Even though I can't see well, my heart is in the right place.

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    1. Sam Hoffer / My Carolina KitchenFebruary 18, 2015 at 5:33 PM

      I just saw your new beach pictures on your side bar. So cool!
      S

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    2. La Table De NanaFebruary 18, 2015 at 5:46 PM

      Your ♥ is in the perfect place.
      I appreciate your comments..
      Rose is immature..I get that.
      When I was to marry Jacques..I had just lost my mom..I was 19..he was 33 ..
      We went to a marriage preparation class..es..(catholic)..and had to answer a loooooong questionnaire..the priest came to the conclusion that I was more immature than my future husband.No kidding..now..that I think of it all..:)
      I cried..my dad was stricken with disbelief..and consoled me♥
      It was a tad ironic to say the least as I could not marry in my church..
      Anyways..I get what you are saying..
      I think I was Rose 100 years ago..Not at all riches wise..But ..a bit immature.
      It worked out thank goodness:)
      Thank you Sam.x

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  5. NellieFebruary 18, 2015 at 9:24 PM

    What a lovely cake to go along with Downton. I love reading your comments and observations.

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  6. La Table De NanaFebruary 18, 2015 at 9:27 PM

    Thanks Nellie..Jamie knows his stuff..:)

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  7. susanFebruary 18, 2015 at 9:33 PM

    Oh, I love the idea of making this cake in the smaller pans, Monique, and it looks just beautiful - like a piece of art.

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    1. La Table De NanaFebruary 18, 2015 at 9:58 PM

      My small spring forms were from the dollar store many years ago.I wish they had more as I plan on making more cakes this size..standard is way too big for us..
      Thanks Susan...

      Delete
  8. Kathy WalkerFebruary 18, 2015 at 10:16 PM

    Your blog always makes me happy. The cake is lovely. I would never have thought to decorate with the rosebuds. I too am hooked to Downton Abbey....I have an intense dislike for Mr. Barrow...guess that means that he is doing a great job of portraying his character...

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    1. La Table De NanaFebruary 18, 2015 at 10:48 PM

      Do you think Barrow is finally softening...?
      A bit?
      You are right..he plays his part perfectly.
      They all are wonderful.Great great cast..

      Delete
  9. Painting the hamptonsFebruary 18, 2015 at 10:16 PM

    OMG the peony! Tell me more...

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    1. La Table De NanaFebruary 18, 2015 at 10:50 PM

      Hi Gail..
      This summer I picked a few peonies and hung them upside down to dry..in a darkish unfinished part of the basement where the workshop is..this is how they dry..
      More next year..right?

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    2. Painting the hamptonsFebruary 20, 2015 at 8:04 AM

      They dried so beautifully!

      Delete
  10. TerrykFebruary 18, 2015 at 10:57 PM

    Oh this is a beautiful cake! I think I now may change my request for my birthday cake to this. Is this cake the texture of a sponge cake like the ones made from a box recipe or is it a bit like a traditional cake batter? Jamie Oliver's picture makes me think it is not as light as a box cake sponge cake. I googled golden castor sugar and think it might be hard to find here. Did you substitute with another sugar? The small version is brilliant! Wilton sells 4" springform pans. I may have to get some.

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    1. La Table De NanaFebruary 19, 2015 at 8:14 AM

      I used superfine white sugar Terry..I had Googled other recipes..and most said caster sugar..so even our granulated one would work..but some had said superfine..since I had some on hand I used that..
      The little cakes are fun to make..and fun to decorate..small:)You should get some;)
      It is a dense moist cake..Best eaten the same day or next.
      I would use a lighter buttercream or a whiped cream with real berries.Jacques found the sweet buttercream too sweet..

      Delete
    2. TerrykFebruary 19, 2015 at 8:28 AM

      Thanks Monique! Jerry will be doing the dessert so I will show him this. The family leaves QC today so there vacation ends and it will be back to school and work Monday. They had a ball, the city is beautiful. Can't wait to hear all the stories.

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    3. La Table De NanaFebruary 19, 2015 at 10:05 AM

      I bet..remember Kathleen? Her son and his big family were in Tremblant.I am so glad everyone had fun..Bet you cannot wait to see them:)

      Delete
  11. RosenoisettesFebruary 19, 2015 at 12:45 AM

    Ce Victorian Sponge Cake nous plonge complètement dans l'univers aristocrate de Downton, à tester prochainement ~
    Bonne fin de semaine

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  12. ParisbreakfastsFebruary 19, 2015 at 7:38 AM

    If there was a contest of best cakes for Downton yours would win the blue ribbon for sure.
    Love your analysis of the soap...
    Poor Mary has a heavy weight on her shoulders, pushing that rock up the hill like whatshisname. Overly serious and consiencious. A bit of a bore but a fetching one at that. Every gesture reeks of elegance. She is her grandma's child not her softie American mum IMHO.

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    1. ParisbreakfastsFebruary 19, 2015 at 7:48 AM

      I'm just catching up to Part5 but I find Rose very careless and over pleased with herself. She causes catastrophe where aire she treads imho. Not convinvpced of her innocence..it's a cover. Still there must be trouble-makers upstairs and down to drive the story.

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    2. La Table De NanaFebruary 19, 2015 at 8:18 AM

      I agree every movement of hers is sheer elegance.. Rose is the careles..spoiled daughter of very different parents..
      She seemed to have gained some maturity of late..but not sure yet.She is Cinderella ..in the new movie..POrcelain skin..Geesh..how do they get that flawless skin..?Monoprix?;)

      Delete
  13. BarbaraFebruary 19, 2015 at 8:42 AM

    Loving Downton too, but find Edith annoying.Of course the biggest snob is Lord Grantham. Still...it holds our attention, just like Upstairs Downstairs.

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    1. La Table De NanaFebruary 19, 2015 at 9:03 AM

      Our keen attention..we always find the show flies by!
      Oh yes he is...

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  14. Ry @ Sotto Il Monte VineyardsFebruary 19, 2015 at 9:02 AM

    I have been thinking about sponge cakes as well. Mostly from watching The Great British Bake Off that airs just before Downton. I found a few recipes for Hungarian Sponge cake that call for seven thin layers of sponge. Yours looks beautiful and light.
    Your description of events and characters at Downton are spot on! Mary's cruel remarks to Edith are painful to watch. I think Edith will come out ahead in the long run and I'm pleased that she has her baby back, as she should have never been parted from her in the first place.

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    1. La Table De NanaFebruary 19, 2015 at 9:04 AM

      Same same thoughts..7 layers must be very pretty though..I wonder if we get that bake off show..Will check!

      Delete
  15. Gloria BakerFebruary 19, 2015 at 11:07 AM

    I love this Victoria Sponge and I love you garnish with the rose buds, I love so much garnish with them, look lovely!!!!
    I dry some buds to have for winter!
    A lovely post of course and In March I think I will see again Dowton Abbey!:)

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    1. La Table De NanaFebruary 19, 2015 at 3:07 PM

      I know..you are 1 season ahead of us I think..
      These rosebuds were a gift from one of my son-in-laws.in a jar..all edible rosebuds.so pretty!

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  16. martinealisonFebruary 19, 2015 at 12:44 PM

    Bonsoir chère Nana,

    Comment résister une fois encore à ce gâteau qui me semble succulent ?!!...
    La petite touche avec les boutons de roses lui confère une certaine élégance.
    Très joli billet...
    Merci à toi pour ton très gentil message.
    Gros bisous ♡

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  17. PamFebruary 19, 2015 at 2:58 PM

    I love Grantchester and Downton too! I agree with all you said about Downton. I always liked Mary, but she's snobbier than ever now. It would be great if Edith could tell everyone the truth about her daughter and get on with her life. And a baby for the Bates' would be great. Not sure what is going on with Barrow and what new problems he will cause. Lady Rose is great but just too happy so something will happen there. Sometimes Cora peeves me with her coy looks, but she's actually a clever lady and set Baxter straight! Then there's poor Isis. I read somewhere that the 2nd Lab they had on the show didn't get along with the Lab that really lives in the house with its owners now, and was replaced by this Isis, a female.
    Your cake looks delicious, I haven't had that type cake in ages.

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    1. La Table De NanaFebruary 19, 2015 at 3:10 PM

      I didn't know that about Isis..Thanks Pam..Cora..too coy sometimes I agree..and I find she doesn't LOVE enough..not sure how to explain it..but I did love the way she went to see Edith..they shoud have told Cora from the onset!

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  18. Barbara Lilian in FranceFebruary 19, 2015 at 3:29 PM

    I find it so entertaining the way you and your followers all discuss Downton Abbey also the way you all analyse the characters. Some of that Victorian snobbery still exists in England, I can't abide it . By that I don't mean the TV series Downton I love it and have watched everyone since it began. During the winter Sundays it's the highlight of my day. At the moment they are filming the next series. Your Victoria Sponge cake looks fit for royalty, with those pretty little rosebuds decorating the top. When I was at school a loooooong time ago, I was at an all girls school and we all had to make a Victoria sponge cake, but then it was only jam in the middle, no cream as it wasn't classed as a Victoria sponge if anyone put cream inside. and icing sugar lightly dusted over the top. Lovely post and comments I enjoyed reading them all.

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    1. La Table De NanaFebruary 19, 2015 at 4:19 PM

      I love reading DA comments too:)
      I find it fun..as if we were part of a tv show club..sort of..
      Obviously this show is a winner in everyone's eyes..
      Jacques cannot get over the fact they dressed for dinner..or had someone dress them for dinner.
      I would be happiest below the stairs..actually to be quite truthful..in the middle..but not on top.
      I think that is neat that you made a sponge cake.
      My English friends had Home Ec..economics..I cannot remeber ever having classes like that on the French side.. yes..in high school..there was an english side and a French side.
      I was on the French side..Only on the bus were we together.

      Delete
  19. Lou Une aiguille dans l'potageFebruary 19, 2015 at 4:08 PM

    Il est superbe ! Et les photos ...magnifiques !

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  20. SarahFebruary 19, 2015 at 8:12 PM

    Oh, Monique, a wonderful cake. I must make it! The first time I made a sponge cake was for my parents' 25th wedding anniversary. Odd, I'd not thought about sponge cake in that context before just now. It was one my mother requested. Not certain why, but I made it, and it was a lovely cake as I recall. '-)

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  21. Sketchbook WanderingFebruary 19, 2015 at 11:05 PM

    I don't know the show but I know I love the photos!

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  22. Lily LauFebruary 20, 2015 at 9:43 AM

    What a cake, Monique, what a cake! :D

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    1. La Table De NanaFebruary 20, 2015 at 10:16 AM

      The decor required just minutes..anyone can do it:) Thank you!

      Delete
  23. UnknownFebruary 20, 2015 at 5:44 PM

    You and I have such similar sentiments about all the Downton characters :) Yes, I would definitely befriend Edith too. And if she had a sponge cake like yours, I'd stay all day. Well, hopefully at Downton it would be much bigger than yours so I could nibble on it all day!

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    1. La Table De NanaFebruary 20, 2015 at 6:13 PM

      No snobbery for us right?
      And happy endings always♥

      Delete
  24. Marie RaynerFebruary 21, 2015 at 8:31 AM

    Oh he is a lovely Vicar for sure. I hope that he is able to find happiness. I think Lady Mary is a snob, as are they all to a degree. There is a sense of entitlement that the Aristocracy hold, even to this day, although it is not quite as pronounced now as it once was. They still have their own circle of friends and woe betide anyone who deigns to try to impose on it. I so want to see Lady Mary end up with Tom. I think she still mourns Matthew deep in her heart and that is at the root of her insufferableness . . . I think Tom would be a perfect fit for her and keep her balanced and more down to earth. I hate to see him go to America. The cake! The Cake! How very beautiful. You cannot beat a sponge. It is my favourite cake of all. I fill it just with some jam and butter cream and a light dusting of icing sugar. It never disappoints. Lemon curd is also very nice in the middle! And on very special occasions whipped cream and fresh fruit. Yum! Hope you are having a lovely weekend! xoxo

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    1. La Table De NanaFebruary 21, 2015 at 9:29 AM

      Jacques would love the whipped cream..he likes that better than an icing..
      I think mary had the love of her like w/ Michael..the only real spark I ever saw.. was in the barn scene:)
      Tom..would be an excellent match..They are great friends..Haven't seen a spark yet though..
      I know you are having a nice weekend..Love your story at And Then We All Had Tea:)

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  25. Linda @ Life and LindaFebruary 21, 2015 at 7:33 PM

    Beautiful cake, especially with whipping cream. You have a knack for baking and it shows. Your family must absolutely love it. Love your beautiful photos.

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  26. LindaFebruary 21, 2015 at 10:55 PM

    Hi Monique.....
    I agree....Mary is a snob, I always liked Edith better...
    Yes.....a baby.....for Bates and Anna....that would be perfect!
    Enjoy the rest of your weekend
    Cheers!
    Linda :o)

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  27. Deana SidneyFebruary 22, 2015 at 9:22 AM

    I never cried at Downton until this week. Isis at the end? Tears poured down my cheeks.

    Lovely cake... Maggie is always my favorite. Must say, Fellowes characters are real and flawed -- all of them imperfect. But we forgive, don't we (except for those Mertons -- UGH).

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    1. La Table De NanaFebruary 22, 2015 at 12:50 PM

      The Mertons..boors..a shining example of:"l'habit ne fait pas le moine"..
      I know ..Isis..That dear dear gentle dog..

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  28. SavoringTime in the KitchenFebruary 22, 2015 at 11:41 AM

    What a beautiful cake, Monique~ With the rose buds, just gorgeous. The big, dried rose, Oh-La-la! A perfect party cake and I think I would love it with the heavy cream filling too. I haven't had a chance to see last Sunday's episode yet, so I tried not to read your comments about it :) I will have so much catching up to do with my favorite shows and favorite blogs, and emails, etc., etc.

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    1. La Table De NanaFebruary 22, 2015 at 12:51 PM

      I know you had a great time:) Welcome ..home.Bet you just cannot wait to see M and D..

      Delete
  29. KathleenFebruary 22, 2015 at 1:47 PM

    Your little cake is lovely! I am not a fan of buttercream, way too sweet, and fondant, I won't touch it! Everytime it is served I see people peel it off, so what is the point?
    I agree about D.A. Poor Tom suffered all the snubs and slurs because he was Irish and Catholic and accepted his detractors anyway. In real like I want him to leave to teach them a lesson, but I would miss him on the show! Did you catch the comment last week about Rose's intended, at least he isn't a Catholic? Aw it is good we have broad shoulders, LOL.
    Sometimes there is hope for Mary, but others, esp when she is so mean to her sister, I would like to smack her!
    I got into Grantchester too, I had never seen him in any other show. I like him, but he needs to pray a little more and drink a lot less. :)
    The kids got home late last night, a very long wait to get back into the US. Way over an hour. Is it always like that? Then the long drive back to Long Island through the storms. I was relieved when they called to say they were home. Can't imagine a trip like that with 5 kids, OY!

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    1. La Table De NanaFebruary 22, 2015 at 11:02 PM

      Some days..the border is a breeze..others not..
      Such a cute family 5 kids..
      Caro drives the whole way to Florida with her husband and 3 sons..well he drives..she entertains..27 hrs..
      Troopers.
      They are young!
      Just watched DA and cried 3 times..
      I am bad..I like that Sidney is flawed..makes him more human...
      Funny I did not catch that..I did catch Violet saying..there's always something..boy oh boy..
      Love Tom..
      Now poor Anna..
      Oh Mrs Patmore..happy for her..
      I could go on and on!
      I did..

      Delete
  30. RosaFebruary 22, 2015 at 3:43 PM

    Que preciosidad de tarta y que buenísima tiene que estar. Me encanta.
    Besos

    lagalletarota.blogspot.com

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  31. La Table De NanaFebruary 23, 2015 at 9:28 AM

    Gracias..:)

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  32. PennyFebruary 23, 2015 at 12:33 PM

    Late to this. What a twist in Downton. Did not see that coming with Anna. Lovely sponge cake.

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    1. La Table De NanaFebruary 23, 2015 at 7:35 PM

      I don' t know why butI did..I must have read it somewhere..as I am not clairvoyant;)

      Delete
  33. Cheri Savory SpoonMarch 3, 2015 at 6:39 PM

    Hi Monique, I love Downton, it is such a shame the season is so short. I agree about all the characters especially Mary she is just plain mean, lovely cake!

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