Making a cake to go with The Tiger in the Smoke
for the Book Group's "virtual afternoon tea" this month proved to be an interesting challenge. There is almost no food mentioned in the book, so lateral thinking was required. I toyed with the idea of doing something that would have been on offer at a Lyons Teashop (the menu, still current in the post-war period of the book, apparently, can be seen here), and I can imagine Lugg or Luke tucking into a Bakewell tart. But I felt we needed a more creative interpretation of the novel than that so veering away from cakes this time, ladies and gentlemen, I offer you Lapsang Chilli Truffles, courtesy of Eat, Think and be Merry. I thought the sophisticated, modern edge would appeal to Meg, and Geoffrey might find a box for her at Fortnum's, perhaps. Lapsang Souchong has a most distinctive smoky taste, and the cayenne pepper provides the tiger's bite, hence "The Tiger in the Smoke"!
Rushing to photograph them before the light went I had difficulty getting quite regular shapes as the mixture hadn't been chilled for long enough. I gave them a dusting of cocoa powder instead of the recipe's suggested milk chocolate coating (which I'll try later) for that reason. Though still soft, they taste wonderful, and go very well with a cup of Lapsang.
ooh, scrumptious!
Posted by: rosie | 10 December 2008 at 03:42 PM
Oh gosh Karen, they look splendid, I am trying to virtually taste them as I type, I am definitely in need of something soothing and decadent.
Posted by: Rebecca | 10 December 2008 at 05:55 PM
I read this book last week, and enjoyed it immensely, a real page turner. I was amused at the crying out of a popular singing star's name near the end, though!
Posted by: Jane | 10 December 2008 at 08:48 PM
But would Ainsworth have liked them?
Posted by: Lindsay | 10 December 2008 at 09:24 PM
He might well, but they'd have done him no good whatsoever!
Posted by: Cornflower | 10 December 2008 at 09:28 PM
Ooooh, can I come for tea at your house, please?
Posted by: natalie | 11 December 2008 at 08:18 AM
You certainly can!
Posted by: Cornflower | 11 December 2008 at 09:45 AM
Those truffles look divine! I must check out 'The Tiger in the Smoke' if it inspired such an epicurian creation.
Posted by: Jade | 11 December 2008 at 02:12 PM
I am trying to ESCHEW such things but these do look wonderful! How inventive you are....
Posted by: adele geras | 19 December 2008 at 10:51 PM