Queen Elizabeth II had a favorite snack that she enjoyed almost every single day for more than 90 years. From childhood, the beloved monarch — who became Britain's longest-reigning sovereign before passing away at the age of 96 in September 2022 — had a fondness for one simple afternoon treat that's incredibly easy to recreate at home.
The Snack: Jam Pennies
Former royal chef Darren McGrady took to YouTube to share some of the dishes cherished by the royal family, disclosing that Queen Elizabeth adored jam pennies — a jam sandwich cut into tiny circles. He said: "The Queen was served jam pennies in the nursery as a little girl; she's had them for afternoon tea ever since. Simple, just bread and jam with a little butter - usually strawberry jam. We'd make the jam at Balmoral Castle with the gorgeous Scottish strawberries from the gardens."
Superstition Behind the Shape
These sandwiches were always cut into circles, never triangles or squares, owing to a longstanding superstition that pointed food would bring bad luck to the royal family. In the documentary Secrets of the Royal Kitchen, former royal chef Graham Newbould revealed: "The royals never have square sandwiches because tradition has it that anyone presenting them with pointed-edged food is trying to overthrow the throne of England."
Recipe for Jam Pennies
Ingredients:
- White bread
- Butter
- Strawberry jam
Method:
- Begin by buttering one side of the bread, then spread the jam on the other side.
- While the late Queen favored homemade jam from Balmoral, a shop-bought variety will work just as well.
- Press the bread slices together and use a biscuit cutter to slice into small round sandwiches.
This simple snack, enjoyed by the Queen for decades, is a testament to her appreciation for humble, traditional fare.
