Queen Elizabeth II likely sampled some of the finest cuisine in the world during her 96 years.
However, one of her favourite meals was shockingly simple – something many non-royals are very accustomed to, particularly as children.
Chef Darren McGrady, who cooked for Queen Elizabeth II, Diana, Princess of Wales and Princes William and Harry for 15 years, knows a lot about the late monarch’s eating habits.
In a YouTube video entitled “Afternoon Tea At Buckingham Palace (In The Queen’s Garden – Or Yours!)”, Darren McGrady revealed which simple sandwich the Queen absolutely loved.
The royal insider explained that there used to be garden parties for around 6,000 people hosted at Buckingham Palace.
He said that “fortunately” the royal chefs would only have to cater for the royal tent on these special occasions.
Darren revealed that dainty sandwiches were on the menu, one of them being “jam pennies” (jam sandwiches).
He said: “The Queen was served jam pennies in the nursery as a little girl – she’s had them for afternoon tea ever since.”
For those who want to try the late Queen’s favourite sarnie, this is super “simple” – you’ll just need bread, jam and a little butter.
He continued: “It would usually be strawberry jam. We’d make the jam at Balmoral Castle with the gorgeous Scottish strawberries from the gardens.”
Darren demonstrated making the tasty sandwich using white bread and strawberry jam but this could be substituted for wholemeal bread and a jam of your liking.
Butter one slice of bread before spreading the jam over it, then pop the other piece of bread on top of it. To create “penny” shapes, use a circle sandwich cutter.
Cucumber sandwiches – with the flesh peeled with a potato peeler – were also popular at these afternoon teas.
In a separate video, royal chef Darren McGrady shared the peculiar way Queen Elizabeth II would eat a banana.
