Queen Elizabeth II, Britain's longest-reigning monarch, had access to the world's most luxurious and exotic cuisines throughout her 70-year reign. Yet, her personal tastes leaned toward remarkably simple and quintessentially British treats, particularly when it came to sandwiches. Despite undertaking over 200 visits to Commonwealth nations alone, exposing her to an array of formal delicacies, the late Queen favoured everyday indulgences that many Britons adore.
The Childhood Favourite: Jam Pennies
According to former royal chef Darren McGrady, who served the Royal Family for 15 years, Queen Elizabeth enjoyed a specific sandwich daily since her childhood. This treat, known as jam pennies, was a staple in her diet from the nursery days and remained a part of her afternoon tea rituals throughout her life. McGrady disclosed this in a YouTube video, noting that the Queen was served these sandwiches as a little girl and continued the tradition ever since.
A Simple Yet Royal Recipe
The jam pennies are incredibly straightforward, consisting of just bread, jam, and a little butter, typically using strawberry jam. McGrady explained that the jam was often homemade at Balmoral Castle, utilising the gorgeous Scottish strawberries from the gardens. The sandwiches were always cut into circular shapes, never triangles or squares, due to an age-old superstition that pointy food could bring harm to the monarchy. A circle cutter was used to stamp out rounds the size of old English pennies, hence the name.
Another Beloved Choice: Tuna Mayo Sandwich
In addition to jam pennies, Queen Elizabeth had a fondness for tuna and mayonnaise sandwiches, as revealed by former royal chef Owen Hodgson. He told The Telegraph that the Queen enjoyed these sandwiches generously buttered and served with thinly sliced cucumber and a dash of pepper. This preference highlights her appreciation for classic British flavours, even in more savoury options.
Royal Superstitions and Traditions
The insistence on circular sandwiches underscores the deep-rooted traditions and superstitions within the monarchy. Avoiding pointed shapes was a precautionary measure believed to protect the royal family from potential harm. This detail adds a layer of historical intrigue to the Queen's seemingly mundane dietary habits, showing how even simple meals were intertwined with royal customs.
Recipe for Jam Pennies
For those inspired to recreate the Queen's favourite sandwich, here is a simple recipe based on royal practices:
Ingredients
- 12 slices of bread, such as white, multi-grain, or wholemeal
- Softened unsalted butter, for spreading
- Six tablespoons of jam, such as homemade strawberry or raspberry jam (lemon curd can be used for citrus lovers)
Method
- Cut the crusts off the sliced bread and set aside for other uses like breadcrumbs or bread pudding.
- Stamp out little rounds of bread using a scone, biscuit, or pastry cutter.
- Spread the crust-less bread "pennies" with butter on one side only, as if making normal sandwiches.
- Spread the jam of your choice over one side of the buttered bread, then sandwich together with another buttered slice.
- Arrange on a plate and serve with a pot of tea, emulating the royal afternoon tea experience.
Queen Elizabeth II's sandwich preferences reveal a monarch who, despite her global travels and regal status, cherished the simple pleasures of British life. From jam pennies to tuna mayo, these everyday treats were a constant in her daily routine, offering a glimpse into her personal tastes and the traditions that shaped her reign.
