As part of The Lakes’ collaboration with Harvey Nichols, we speak to Penny Wabbit, head pastry chef at Harvey Nichol’s OXO Tower Restaurant, Bar and Brasserie, to unveil her tips for creating your own Le Goûter moment at home.
Inspired by the Parisian patisserie
A taste sensation, Le Goûter (lay-goo-tay) is a moment of pure decadence. A daily institution in France, the equivalent of British late afternoon tea is the only snack ‘les enfants’ are encouraged to indulge in when the school day draws to a close.
Always sweet – with no exception – freshly baked cakes and taste sensations from the exquisite patisserie keep young ones going until dinner, offering adults the perfect moment to reconnect with old friends and get to know new.
It is the anticipation and taste sensations created by childhood cake shop excursions that inspired the latest Lakes Single Malt Whisky, The Whiskymaker’s Editions – Le Goûter. Made by The Lakes Distillery, in collaboration with luxury British department store Harvey Nichols, Le Goûter has a lightness of touch reminiscent of alluring aromas of freshly baked confections dancing on warm spring air. Fragrant jasmine and crème anglaise swirl into hints of pear, citrus zest and freshly baked madeleines.
Like all delicious Le Goûter moments, presentation is everything, which is why we teamed up with artist Eili-Kaija Kuusniemi to reflect the moment of inspiration in luscious watercolours and with a fresh and free-spirited style.
It is also why we have come together with Penny Wabbit from the OXO Tower Restaurant, to offer you recipes to enjoy at home that resonated with Penny’s own ‘Le Goûter moment’ and brought back delightful childhood memories.
Rhubarb and Lemon Slice
Serve alongside a nice refreshing gin cocktail and you have the makings for a perfect Le Goûter moment.
Penny Wabbit, Head Pastry Chef at Harvey Nichol’s OXO Tower
She went on to explain, “From my childhood, we always looked forward to a Rhubarb crumble with custard after a Sunday lunch. Rhubarb is a firm favourite and is used regularly alongside the flavours of Gin on our menu, creating a beautiful amalgamation of sweet and piquant.
The first recipe is a take on a classic custard tart named simply, Rhubarb and Lemon Slice. A light and creamy custard sits on top of a caramelised puff pastry base, decorated with poached rhubarb and finished with lemon curd and puff pastry crisps.”
The Eccles Cake
Again, a fond childhood memory, is the British classic; The Eccles Cake.
Penny Wabbit, Head Pastry Chef at Harvey Nichol’s OXO Tower
She went on to explain, “The second recipe is a British classic; The Eccles Cake served with honeycomb and dried fruits. The sweetness of the honey adds a subtle mellowness, perfect for as the accompaniment to a classic Old Fashioned cocktail. Of course, when we were kids we didn’t have the Old Fashioned!”
Find out more about The Lakes Single Malt Whiskymaker’s Editions – Le Goûter, available exclusively from Harvey Nichols.
