Taking inspiration from dishes mentioned in works by the beloved author, we delve into some of her best-known titles to present a teatime menu that evokes the charm of celebrations during the Regency era.
Although Jane Austen suggests “a poor attempt” by her heroine Emma Woodhouse, chefs in the Victoria test kitchens prepare these Rout Cakes to absolute perfection, incorporating dried currants and apricots into our teatime alternative to scones.
Miniature Meat Pies, filled with bacon, chicken, and vegetables, are reminiscent of savory pigeon-pies also mentioned in Emma.
Notes of cinnamon, cardamom, and star anise mingle with culinary lavender in our decadent Chocolate Sipping Tea, an ode to the traditional beverage favored by General Tilney in Northanger Abbey.
Text Melissa Lester
Photography Stephanie Welbourne Steele
Styling Maghan Armstrong
Recipe Development Amanda Stabile and Izzie Turner
Food Styling Vanessa Rocchio
To discover more teatime recipes prepared in honor of the celebrated author’s birthday, see “The Literary Tastes of Jane Austen” in the March/April 2025 issue, available on newsstands and at victoriamag.com.
