Afternoon Tea with Miss Damson

Method:

Damson Martini

– Soak 500g damsons in a bottle of gin for one year.

– To make the martini, place one or two soaked damsons in glass and add a healthy slurp of the damson gin with a dash of Blackwood English Vermouth.

 

Damson Sandwiches

– Gently melt 250g of white chocolate in a heat proof bowl set over barely simmering water. Once completely melted and smooth, pour out onto a marble slab. With a palet knife thinly spread the chocolate mix out, ensure that it is even all over. Allow to set before carefully cutting into sandwich style triangles.

– For the filling cook 250g of stoned damsons with the rhubarb liquor (if using), 50g of sugar and half a vanilla pod, on a gentle heat until the fruit is soft. Blend in a food processor and chill. Once cold, combine with some of the whipped cream to make a pink creamy filling.

– Pipe the mixture onto one of the chocolate sandwiches. Place another triangle on top. Repeat.

 

Damson macaroons 

– Sift the ground almonds and icing sugar and salt twice, discarding any almond lumps that are too big to pass through the sieve.

– Fold into the egg white mixture, which should be smooth and a very viscous, not runny.

– Pipe onto trays lined with baking paper.

– Rap the trays on the bench firmly (this prevents cracking) and then bake in the oven for 20 minutes.

– Check if one comes off the tray fairly cleanly, if not bake for a little longer.

(For more guidance to making Macaroons, please view this video)

– For the filling mixture place 100g of stoned damsons with 50ml of  stock syrup and 50ml of damson gin in a heavy based pan. Bring to the boil and reduce.

– Blend and whisk in an egg yolk, allow to cool.

– Pipe the mix onto one of the Macaroon bases, before covering with another Macaroon half. Repeat.