Last weekend I pretty much had the perfect Saturday. I spent the morning in Petersham Nurseries, one of my favourite London haunts. Petersham is such a beautiful and inspiring place, it’s like stumbling upon a perfect secret world. I dream of getting married in the just perfectly bucolic rustic surroundings. Yes it’s that fabulous.
Anyway back to the sweets. We began with an insightful introduction into Genoa’s long tradition in sugar trading and the Romanengo family who have been conserving fruits and flowers since 1780 and whose confectionery we would be experiencing.
After this we were given a demonstration of icing candied fruits and sweets and making chocolate truffles. Mouth watering. We indulged ourselves with Marron Creams, Marron Glaces, Mostarda di frutta with Formaggio Capretta, Fondant Lingue & Torronetti amongst other delectable Romanengo products and then we had lunch…Yes after all that gorging we had lunch which was heralded with the arrival of Prosecco with Romanego Rose syrup. Made simply from roses, sugar and lemon. Now this is an elixir to have in your life.
Lunch was prepared by the nurseries Head Chef Skye Gyngell, being vegetarian I didn’t have the Quail which looked amazing but had a fabulous Robiola which is an Italian cheese made with Goats, Sheeps and cows milk. The lunch was an education in how these sweet-toothed delicacies can be used in savoury dishes, and to great effect. I have been smearing Rose Petal Preserve on pretty much everything ever since. Divine!
The sweetest Play-doh ever
A freshly made chocolate truffle. The Romanengo chocolate machine dates from 1860. Pretty impressive.
Hands down the best chocolate packaging ever.
The divine Rose Jam
This is a Nectar of the Gods…It tastes like Rose breath. Delicious in champagne for those like me who can’t drink it plain
Lunch for the Carnivores. Much finger licking.
Robiola. I now can’t live without this. Thanks Skye!
