Mostly folks whether they be from Brazil, Belguim, Belarus or sometimes even Birmingham ask what is it? Once described, the tantalising appeal of such a melange of gateau, cream, fresh fruit, ice-cream, more fresh fruit, some crumbled meringue and swirls of Chantilly with a flourish of berry coulis and a strawberry or two or other seasonal fruit on the top served in a tall elegant glass, is for many of our customers, too good to miss. When I was a child on holiday in Folkestone, my Father and I used to go and play bingo along the Harbour. Then it was off to one of our favourite quayside cafe's for a Knickerbocker Glory. Actually it was on one such holiday that we went on a day trip to France and I first had a taste of delicious French patisserie and we know what that led to....
Here at Chez Teresa we make as a rule the full fat version, and for those of a more restrained disposition we create a skinny one featuring Yogurt, and sorbet as opposed to cream and full fat ice cream.
The Knickerbocker Glory first seems to have appeared, at least in the UK in the 1930s. When I was a child - not in the 1930s I hasten to add, this elaborate concoction was to be found at seaside resorts, in promenade cafes and sometimes in Italian restaurants.
We are often asked here at Chez Teresa why is this dessert called a Knickerbocker Glory? I usually come out with an explanation, which has particular appeal to our French customers, in so far as I say that it is to do with the fact that in France trousers are often referred to as Knickerbockers, and if you look at the shape that the Knickerbocker Glory makes in its tall glass it does look a bit like the glass is wearing within it a type of trouser. Of course during the first French Revolution of 1789 and beyond, the revolutionaries abandoned such trousers for sans culottes (which means without trousers though not completely I would add, as there would have been I daresay more of a scandal then there already was)... and so for a while there was not a Knickerbocker to be seen. In addition if we think of the Victorian era and the English lady or girl, she might wear an undergarment that was sometimes referred to as a pair of Knickerbockers. I am also reminded of seaside towns and of music halls of yesteryear and a recollection that some of the dancers would wear something akin to a Knickerbocker,especially if they were doing a less risqué version of the routine of the ladies at the Folies Bergère in Paris.
When I was a teenager back in the 1970s there was a revival of such knickerbockers which young women would wear under their floaty cotton maxi or midi dresses... Knickers are of course knickers and many an adolescent especially from the UK has collapsed into laughter when we offer them the possibility of a creamy dessert with knickers in the title....but we assure them that our Knickerbockers are fresh, fruity and delicious and if you opt for the skinny version possibly even healthy.
Recipe for the Chez Teresa Knickerbocker Glory
You will need a tall, elegant sundae glass into which you will place the following ingredients:-
1 slice of cake (Victoria Sandwich or a cup cake drizzled with fruit coulis or a splash of your favourite liqueur if you are feeling especially decadent - if the latter try matching the liqueur to suit the fruits that you will use...for example if you are using citrus fruits then a splash of Limoncello, an Italian lemon liqueur which will work well; for strawberries what about a splash of Tia Maria, for blackberries or blackcurrants try a splish splash of Chambord or Cassis and so on).
Next simply layer the glass with a melange of fruit, cream, ice cream, more fruit and one small crumbled meringue
Top with a large pretty swirl of Chantilly Cream and top with some more coulis and one or two fruits of your choice. Even a single Glacé cherry on top will look good. In fact use your imagination to embellish your glory...I sometimes place a few toasted almonds on top and this can add an unexpected contrast and frisson to the dessert.
For the Skinny Version of the Chez Teresa Knickerbocker Glory
Do exactly the same as for the above recipe, but instead of using cream and ice cream substitute good quality low or full fat Yogurt, and sorbet, and if possible swirl some frozen yogourt on top.
Quite frankly the only thing that will stop you from creating your own fabulous Knickerbocker Glory is your imagination and the fruits that you have available at your fingertips at the time.
One of our lovely customers, Julie Lawrence from Chippenham negotiates her peachy Knickerbocker Glory on a visit to us with her family, Ben, Georgia and Alex and this summer.
Incidentally the doyenne of country and western Miss Dolly Parton is sometimes referred to as a Knickerbocker Glory.......
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