A Review: Blenheim: 300 Years of Life in a Palace Henrietta Spencer Churchill & Baking Fruit Cake

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"The most important, most visited, and most renowned of all of Britain’s stately homes, Blenheim has been home to the Churchill family for more than 300 years.
Regarded as perhaps the greatest of the stately homes and the finest example of baroque architecture in Great Britain, Blenheim is a treasure of English heritage. In this stunning volume, Lady Henrietta Spencer-Churchill, the twelfth generation of the family, takes us on a privileged tour of the palace.
Designed by John Vanbrugh and Nicholas Hawksmoor (a protégé of Christopher Wren) in the early 1700s; with stonework, furniture, and tapestries crafted by the best talents of the age; and art and statuary by such notable artists as John Singer Sargent and Joshua Reynolds, Blenheim is filled with artistic commissions that provide a window into the history of England.
In addition to the gilded staterooms and acres of landscaped gardens, Spencer-Churchill shows us the family’s private apartments, with their secret corridors and history of illustrious guests, as well as the “downstairs” staff area with its iconic bell system.
With beautiful photography of the magnificent interiors and priceless collections, and Spencer-Churchill’s fascinating text, this volume illuminates Blenheim as it's never been seen before."
Ingredients For Churchill's Fruit Cake
280g dried mixed fruit
2 cups strong black tea
225g butter
170g dark brown sugar
5 eggs
285g self-rising flour
110g glacé cherries, halved
1 tsp mixed spice
1 tbsp black treacle (optional)
Step 1
Soak the dried fruit in the tea, preferably overnight, to allow most of the tea to be absorbed.
Step 2
Preheat the oven to 150°C (fan 140°C/gas mark 2) and grease and line a 23cm springform pan or cake tin.
Step 3
Cream together the butter and sugar in a mixing bowl until pale, scraping the sides of the bowl to incorporate all the mixture, and continue to cream together.
Step 4
Gradually beat the eggs and flour into the mixture.
Step 5
Add the molasses and allspice.
Step 6
Add in the mixed fruit and fold together. If there is a little leftover tea from the mixed fruit, add it to the cake mixture along with the fruit. However, if there's a lot of tea left, drain the fruit before adding it.
Step 7
Once completely mixed together, scrape the mixture into the pan or tin and bake for 2 hours. To check that the cake is cooked, insert a skewer into the center. If it comes out clean the cake is cooked through.
Step 8
Remove the cake from the oven and leave to cool. Finish with a light dusting of caster sugar.

[@laurabyrd9903]

Thank you Mary you and your Husband mush have so much fun ! It’s a joy to see y’all so happy.

[@catherinemathias3456]

Daniel always cracks me up!!!❤❤❤❤❤

[@thetartantopiary]

@@catherinemathias3456 me too! 😀

[@elizabethzapac3203]

I just love how much you and Daniel laugh together, that’s the true secret to a long lasting, happy marriage!!! God bless you both💞

[@thetartantopiary]

@@elizabethzapac3203 Thank you! We do love to laugh at and with each other.

[@newfoundland3238]

I made this cake 36 years ago as a young pastry student at The Culinary Institute of America it was so good!If you crumple the parchment and uncrumple it,it fits easier in sides!Soak the cherries makes it moist and flavourful!

[@rinskeraphael8755]

I just had this feeling standing in the kitchen of a good friend. 🤗feeling relaxt and cosy listning to a friend. ❤

[@louisechainey2940]

I live on Blenheim land, thank you for reviewing, it’s interesting to see what others think of what we take for granted.

[@jerriflowers8579]

I eagerly watched you make the cake in hopes of finding a fruit cake that I can tolerate. Thank you for having Daniel taste on camera his face spoke volumes 😂 my search continues.

[@thetartantopiary]

@@jerriflowers8579 it smelled great and I was very excited, but I think it needed more sugar or maybe served with ice cream. If you do find a good recipe, please pass it on to me. 😀

[@Motherhubbard170]

That's way too much butter to flour ratio, only one stick would be much better but I don't see you trying it again nor anyone else for that matter. Mary Berry or Delia Smith would have good recipes if you look them up.

[@SaeZuri-g4n]

In the Caribbean, we soak the fruit in rum instead. Marvellous! We can't have Christmas without it. It's the tea that's off.

[@thetartantopiary]

@@SaeZuri-g4n you’re right I think it was the tea and the molasses. If I made this recipe again, I would use rum and a little more sugar.

[@cassandrawilliams4717]

Loved watching you bake the fruit cake and Daniel's reaction...LOL! I watched it over again just because it gave me the feel good laugh I needed. Wishing you both the best!

[@lindamiklos4964]

Great video today Mary. Your hubs is always a great addition❤

[@thetartantopiary]

@@lindamiklos4964 thanks…and Daniel said he agrees with you!

[@esthersnell2357]

Ha! You two together are golden! The cricket sound effects hilarious & the Samantha clip was great!!

[@dulcerush735]

Exceptional is an understatement, so much elegance and beauty. 🤩 I would try making the cake, but right now I’m on a diet.;) See you next week.

[@shirleystarling7300]

Another great video finished up with a great couple. Keep on being a little crazy it’s so much fun.❤xx

[@thetartantopiary]

@@shirleystarling7300 I appreciate that!

[@barbaracarlson1331]

How fun that you made an old recipe! It sounds quite good.

[@JEANNEHUNTER-q5t]

We spent most of 1998 in Oxford, where my husband was doing research. My children were 2 and 3 years old at the time, so recreation activities had to be toddler friendly. We visited Blenheim, well, the butterfly house, and took the mini train ride around the estate. The little train ran out of steam and we had to walk all the way back! Good memories.

[@thetartantopiary]

@@JEANNEHUNTER-q5t Do your children remember that? In 1998 my children were 7 and 4. I remember those days fondly! Your sweet story reminds me of “The Little Engine That Could”…or couldn’t! 😁

[@JEANNEHUNTER-q5t]

@@thetartantopiary Yes, they do remember that, but very little else, unfortunately. It was the first time I experienced a trip overseas (we live in Namibia) through the eyes of young children, so it was a different kind of adventure.

[@barbaradzitko1826]

On our first trip to England my late husband and I visited Blenheim Palace - not just because of its history and beauty - but because of its connection to Consuelo Vanderbilt of Newport, RI, who married Charles Spencer-Churchill who was the 9th Duke of Marlborough.

[@thetartantopiary]

@@barbaradzitko1826 I appreciate that she, and her dowry, helped preserve Blenheim for future generations. I also love that her mother was a southern belle from Mobile, Alabama. There is a lot written about her in the book.

[@barbaradzitko1826]

@@thetartantopiary Yes, there is that money factor. Consuelo tells her interesting story in her memoir The Glitter and the Gold (Consuelo Vanderbilt Balsan).

[@jenh9361]

@@thetartantopiary It's interesting how we seem to have so much in common!!!

[@chrisweber2552]

Fantastic video! You and Daniel make the perfect pair!

[@PattyFolk]

Cheers to you, Mary and Daniel, I have never eaten that cake because I don’t like a cake that is so heavy in texture. But on a cold night at Blenheim, Churchill would enjoy it. I like the suggestion of soaking the fruit in rum instead and serving with a steaming pot of tea and added warmed milk & raw sugar. Daniel is always a joyful addition to your videos. My husband and I took a trip to England in 1996 and took a train to Oxford. We walked to Blenheim but it was early March and they do not open the house until April. What a disappointment not seeing the interior. We were able to walk around the grounds. The Folly is enchanting by the lake. Good that we were young enough to walk the extensive grounds. Then we took a bus to Woodstock and ate at the fabulous Inn, I think it was called The Black Bear Inn. It is now a chic resort. We had Beef Wellington for two, Champagne, and dessert of Flaming Cherries Jubilee. It was our anniversary day on March 4 and we celebrated the day in style. Then we took the train back to London. Delightful memories!!!

[@thetartantopiary]

What a lovely memory! Thank you for sharing that.

[@VDBCloud]

Please take us on a tour of your beautiful home. I enjoy your videos so much and love the ones with Daniel.

[@thetartantopiary]

I do enjoy it, thank you!

[@lynneaiken773]

As always you both crack me up!

[@beiderbecke1927]

I've always aspired to what I call interior acreage, and though it has thus far eluded my grasp, I dream of living alone in my own Blenheim. No need for a lot of furnishings, as long as I have comfortable places to read, and eat, I'd be fine, spending many hours wandering the vast rooms and halls. Thanks for reviving my dream. As for the Dundee cake, I might have found it delicious, since I am of the dwindling numbers of fruitcake lovers. I might be tempted to feed the cake with brandy, bourbon, or rum, and I can't help but think Churchill would have enjoyed it that way.

[@hikingwiththedog6078]

I was pleasantly surprised when I was giving fruitcake and Rum. It was delicious that way!

[@thetartantopiary]

You had me at "brandy, bourbon, or rum"! I also share your desire to enjoy interior acreage. The bigger the better.

[@pcrice-lr2dn]

I love that you used your Candlewick cake stand ♥️🍁🍂

[@thetartantopiary]

@@pcrice-lr2dn Yes- I appreciate that you noticed that! ❤️

[@user-bx5xf5ki8r]

I too have visited Blenheim. Loved every moment. My favorite sight were the eyes above the entrance and the story that goes with them. I hope to get this book soon. So enjoy your videos. M Tucson Az

[@angelalacy1194]

I always enjoy you and your husband together. With great patience and love you get through it. Makes me smile. :)

[@thetartantopiary]

Thanks for watching and here's to patience and love! 🥂

[@normamiller2599]

Please, Please develop a channel that enables us to view you and Daniel going about your daily lives. I would love to go on that journey. You two are gems.

[@thetartantopiary]

That is funny. I appreciate your suggestion.

[@jasondortch2313]

Beautiful book!

[@JanethEspada]

It may be delicious! Thank for sharing!

[@angelagomez3333]

HELLO MARY... I have been away for awhile and today I was so anxious and just feeling on the edge of life. Then I remembered "Tartan Topiary" and I came here. I [opened the video and was greeted by the familiar intro. The incredible jazz that is soft relaxing music I love so much. The little kitty that is at the beginning of each video that says hello to those of us who stop by. Then I heard your voice which is soft, soothing and very comforting to me. It has a healing quality and I could begin to breathe again. You should look into reading audio books. Seriously. I enjoyed learning about Blenheim and Lady Churchill. Then came the fruitcake recipe and your husband Daniel who is full of joy. Gosh, I needed to laugh today and the chemistry between you two is so perfect. You both are so funny together. Daniel and his powdered sugar mishap, I couldn't help but chuckle. Well, thank you for this video. I know things in my life will be ok. God bless you and keep this as your divine work and mission. Angela A TROPICAL FRUITCAKE RECIPE FOR YOU AND DANIEL....Fruitcakes are traditionally dense and rich, often made with dried fruits and nuts. However, this recipe will take a unique twist by incorporating tropical flavors and unusual ingredients that complement each other beautifully. The aim is to create a vibrant, moist cake that reflects the essence of tropical regions while being distinct from conventional fruitcakes. Ingredients Base Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened 1/2 cup brown sugar 2/3 large eggs Tropical Fruits: 1 cup diced fresh pineapple 1/2 cup chopped mango (fresh or dried) 1/2 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened) 1/4 cup passion fruit jam Unusual Ingredients: 1/4 cup macadamia nuts, roughly chopped 1 tablespoon passion fruit pulp (fresh or canned) 1 teaspoon almond extract 1 teaspoon banana extract Glaze: 1/2 cup coconut milk 2 tablespoons honey or agave syrup Instructions Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Pan Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan or a loaf pan to ensure easy removal of the cake after baking. Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda. This mixture will provide the structure for your cake. Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, which helps in making the cake light. Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavorings Beat in the eggs one at a time into the creamed mixture. Then add in the almond and banana extract, and passion fruit jam. Mix until well combined. Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture while mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to over mix as this can lead to a dense texture. Step 6: Fold in Tropical Fruits and Nuts Gently fold in the diced pineapple, chopped mango, shredded coconut, macadamia nuts, into the batter using a spatula. Ensure that these ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Step 7: Bake the Cake Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the top with a spatula. Bake in your preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Step 8: Prepare Glaze While Cake Bakes While your cake is baking, prepare your glaze by combining coconut milk and honey/agave syrup in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until well mixed but do not bring it to a boil; remove from heat once combined. Step 9: Cool and Glaze Cake Once baked, allow your cake to cool in its pan for about ten minutes before transferring it onto a wire rack. While still warm but not hot, drizzle your coconut milk glaze over the top of the cake allowing it to soak in slightly. Step 10: Let it cool completely before slicing. This tropical fruitcake can be served on its own or accompanied by pineapple ice cream for an extra treat!

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you for your kind words. I will try this recipe. I think I would enjoy the "tropical" version! 🍍🍇🍊🍑

[@debrajean9432]

In 1985, I did a tour of the great homes in England. Castle Howard and Blenheim were two of them. I can't recall which, but one palace had an incredible ceiling of raised flowered plaques. Each one was likely 2 to 3 feet square. The room was huge, and each flower was unique. I hate that I didn't photograph it. If you know what palace has this flowered ceiling, I would love to know so I could revisit it on my next trip.l

[@tamaranicholaschilds8097]

Thank you Mary for another beautiful book! I am one of the few that like fruitcake and I thought it looked good! 😊

[@thetartantopiary]

@@tamaranicholaschilds8097 You are welcome! The fruitcake was not terrible. I think the strong tea and the molasses gave it a pungent taste I wasn’t expecting.

[@barbaragodfrey1402]

Love the books but also equally your interaction with you hubby. Delightful

[@BrenSchilling]

I have been looking so forward to seeing this book review, and it did not disappoint! Wow !! How I would love to visit and see Blenheim in person. What a National treasure it is. We have a Georgia connection in Roswell to Sir Winston. Please, Mary give the man some Tea! (LOL).... Daniel is a good sport and wonderful taste tester who does not hold back...I am now inspired to make the Dundee Fruitcake, as I have finally developed my dear grandmother's taste of fruitcake. Still raining in the Golden Isles hope it is drying out up your way....Happy Friday, Bren

[@thetartantopiary]

@@BrenSchilling It did dry out for about a week. Friday and today have been cloudy with rain showers. That’s okay- I have lots to get done inside. As for the fruitcake I think he would have enjoyed it with the fruit soaked in simple syrup (or rum) instead of tea and maple syrup in lieu of molasses. Have a great weekend!

[@hikingwiththedog6078]

Thanks for this review, and for venturing into the world of fruitcake. I think Winston would have appreciated your spunk!

[@sharonchilds3871]

You and Daniel are a hoot! 😂 great review awesome couple. Have a great weekend 😊

[@s.barlow7062]

Daniel is so entertaining! I got a good laugh at his reaction. Mary, are those the original kitchen cabinets or have they been painted? I just love them!

[@nancyconnell8579]

Looks like the cake needs some vanilla ice cream to go with it. Thanks for sharing.

[@lindaortolano7837]

Hello Mary! While I must say I enjoyed this week book review in all of its beautiful splendor.......I loved the cooking segment! I might have to agree with the look on Daniels face.....I am not really a fruitcake person. I once while really getting into the Christmas spirit made a fruitcake (it cost me a fortune for the ingredients!) and tossed it soon after tasting it! I think I'll stick to chocolate chip cookies! (lol) Have a great week and I will see you in the next one! Give my best to Dan! Hugs! :)

[@MarySchlotter]

Thank you Mary what a beautiful book. While you were making the cake I thought this is perfect . I volunteer ( events and rose garden) at the summer home of William K and Alva Vanderbilt whose daughter Consuelo married into the Spencer Churchill family. I thought I would make this cake for my fellow volunteers the next time I have an occasion to be there. So…. I guess it’s safe to say Daniel didn’t like it? 😉 Should I serve it with some earl grey tea or milk?

[@JackiSalinas-kh3ue]

I’ve followed Lady Henrietta for years, but didn’t realize she’s now the steward of Blenheim. What a responsibility! The book is beautiful. Sorry Daniel wasn’t sold on Winston’s cake 🤣

[@thetartantopiary]

@@JackiSalinas-kh3ue there is a great interview with her in the latest issue of Town and Country you might enjoy.

[@PaulaShoaf]

Hi Mary~~ I would love to visit Blenheim what history .. it is so amazing to me that 300yrs ago to build such beautiful estates and gardens. Did you visit there ?? You and Daniel are a team! So how really was the fruit cake?? Have a super weekend friend ! Paula

[@thetartantopiary]

@@PaulaShoaf Paula- the fruit cake was not awful, but it wasn’t great either! If I made it over I would use rum instead of tea, add a little more sugar, and no molasses.

[@4seasons546]

About the cake 🍰 it seems to me that fruit type cakes are best after sitting for several days or longer. Even better prick the cake & generously sprinkle cognac or rum over all sides of the cake & let it age wrapped in cheese cloth. Fo my wedding I requested a fruit cake ! Lol much to the surprise & disappointment of the New York City bakery ! And the chic French guests were also bewildered ..hahah ! But hey I was the English Bride 👰🏻. I was pleased enough. Then I kept the top tire of the cake & wrapped it in cheese cloth+ tin foil then & every yesr on the wedding anniversary I un wrapped the cake & gave a generous sprinkle of alcohol. I dont remember when I finally decided to start to cut into the cake. I think it was for the tenth year anniversary! The marriage lasted 30 . ❤

[@yarlettegebarowski5995]

Daniel is so much fun. You must have a great time together. Always enjoy your book reviews. You two have a wonderful day.

[@thetartantopiary]

@@yarlettegebarowski5995 we do enjoy laughing at and with each other! Thanks for watching and I hope you have a great weekend.

[@debraenston4164]

Oh my goodness! What a treat. I have been waiting for your review of this sumptuos book. It's glorious. As for the cake - well I imagine the cook had an Aga - which I believe is constantly on so not a problem to bake for two hours. It must have smelled wonderful! Your husband looks great fun. I guess there is never a dull moment! Kind regards from England- we will now visit Blenheim , maybe nearer to Christmas!

[@thetartantopiary]

@@debraenston4164 I’m sure you’re right, she probably did have an AGA! It did smell wonderful, but the flavor of the tea and molasses seem to overpower the taste buds. I hope you do go to Blenheim and I know it will be beautiful at Christmas!

[@valjohnson5835]

Are you ready for your closeup? 😂 The best! ❤ I always enjoy your videos Mary😊

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you so much!

[@MourieAnnFeeney]

Daniel has a look of 1000 words...the cake looks yummy. Book review good but not as much as Daniel. Thank him for us and thank you Mary.

[@raewynannbenten1385]

Hi Mary. Just an observation that the dried fruit in most traditional British fruitcakes is a very different melange than perhaps that purchased in the USA and is maybe why the recipe did not translate well. Dried fruit mix as we traditionally know and purchase it, is often a combination of sultanas, raisins, currants combined with generous amounts of what is known as mixed dried candied peel (usually oranges, lemons and small amounts lime). For even richer fruitcakes is also common to have dried apricots in sparse amounts, glace cherries, dried pineapples and slivered almonds. There is often generous spices added to various fruitcakes in the form of cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice. Plus either golden syrup or dark treacle. Rum or whisky or sherry is a more common additive than tea for soaking the fruit. I’m wondering if the recipe you consulted simply assumed that the baker would be British or from a commonwealth country such as Australia or New Zealand, and therefore familiar with these common off the shelf dried fruit mixes, rather than what you may traditionally buy in the USA. My Scottish friend often makes Dundee cake and she most definitely uses the ingredients I listed above, with sherry or scotch to infuse the fruit. Cranberries and blueberries are wonderfully delicious but not common ingredients in traditional British fruitcakes. Thank you for another great review and lovely Vlog.

[@thetartantopiary]

@@raewynannbenten1385 thank you for that information! The National Trust gave the recipe I used, but your variation is much appreciated! 😁

[@jerryrobinpendleton5171]

Your hubby Daniel is a hoot! His taste buds weren’t thrilled!

[@jenh9361]

😂😂😂 Daniel's expressions speak volumes 😂😂😂 Nuff said 😅😅😅😅😅

[@thetartantopiary]

@@jenh9361 It was very funny. The cake was moist, but it looked like he was chewing on a sponge! The black tea and molasses gave it an unusual flavor.

[@jenh9361]

@@thetartantopiary "Unusual flavor" and his expression... Equates to NASTY 😆 🤣 😂 I'm sure there is never a dull moment with Daniel around... the two of you together are PERFECTION

[@Al-cd2bk]

Looks delicious. I was wondering if Daniel was going to be your cheif taster . 😂😂❤🎉🎉🎉

[@thetartantopiary]

@@Al-cd2bk Daniel is my “chief everything”! Whether I like it or not. 😄

[@tc7486]

❤😊

[@jonigarrison4426]

I was wondering why you place a table runner on your counter while you are mixing your ingredients. Are you not afraid you’ll spill something on the table runner and stain it.

[@Patti-qr5sl]

Well…..great!!!!! Now I feel I simply must make my great grandmother’s fruitcake. Other than the slight difference of soaking the fruit in 11/2 cups of bourbon, it’s all the same seas!🤗 As always, love to all from the “Francine Came To Town”, MS Gulf Coast🌊💨💦🏝️💚

[@mizzmolly7649]

In all fairness, if you were channeling your inner Samantha Stevens, all you'd have to do is wiggle your nose and the cake would have made itself. 😆😆😆 I can't tell you how many times I wanted those powers.

[@ЛіліяМей]

ДЯКУЄМО ЗА КРАСУ. ВАС ДИВИТЬСЯ УКРАЇНА ❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉

[@heatherderganc5984]

🥴🤢🤐 Daniel cracks me up! 😆

[@BarbHayes-zn7fi]

"It wasn't that bad"? So, I shouldn't bother making it?

[@thetartantopiary]

@@BarbHayes-zn7fi On a scale from 1-10, I would give it a 3. The black tea and molasses gave it an unusual flavor…in my opinion. If you do try it I’d love to hear your review.

[@constancewhite6906]

The cake did look moist…

[@thetartantopiary]

@@constancewhite6906 yes, it was moist. If only moist was a flavor…😄