I was thrilled to be invited to bake a cake for a charity fundraiser at a stunning Grade II-listed Elizabethan manor house. As someone who loves baking, this was a wonderful opportunity that I was really excited about!
This place was once the home of William Juxon, Archbishop of Canterbury (1582-1663). He served under Charles I as Lord High Treasurer of England and First Lord of the Admiralty. At the king's request, he stood beside him on the scaffold and delivered the last rites when Charles was executed in 1649.
The house is located in a pretty village of Little Compton, at the southern tip of Warwickshire.
So, I enjoyed the morning making the cake. I decided on a simple oriental cake base—chiffon—with an English twist: strawberry and rose.
I made most of the ingredients organic.
I was excited to use my homegrown strawberries, which were probably in their last burst of fruit.
And my homegrown organic roses.
The filling was amazing, with rose-scented jam and freshly picked strawberries!
I made a finger-licking, not-too-sweet cream cheese frosting that paired well with the flavor.
I added fresh roses and strawberries on top.
When it was ready, I dropped it off excitedly.
There were already many cars and people there.
I went in, and the cake display was in the old church beside the house.
I was pleased to see the cake on the table. It added some colour and a bit of a different touch, as most of the cakes there were traditional.
Even more so when I saw people eating and enjoying the cake with pleasure and returning for more.
This cake was gone in an hour! I was very pleased. My homegrown harvest came in a good cause.
I decided to tour around the gardens...
The grounds are so extensive but beautifully maintained.
I am particularly jealous about this big pot of begonia!
There are few garden rooms with assorted plants.
I think they dedicated the garden to some peculiar historical flowers, some I have not seen before.
The yellow flowers.
This one is unusual.
The orange flowers
The red and purple flowers.
Violet/blue shades
The pink ones.
I like these colour combinations; the bee loves it too!
The white ones.
The garden was stunning, and I got completely lost in its natural beauty.
I have yet to take photos of them all, but this gave you an idea.
They even have animals there.
I was pleased that my contribution added a special touch to the event, and immersing in beautiful nature and meeting a few good people brightened my day!
Have a wonderful day, everyone.
Mariah 💕😊🍃