A TASTE of Versailles is being offered at Sizergh Castle's cafe.
Visitors can try a limited-edition pavlova made with a special ingredient - sweet chestnuts - inspired by the castle's 18th century mistress of the house, Cecilia Strickland.
The inspiration for the chestnut, rum and chocolate pavlova cake recipe came from the story of how sweet chestnut trees came to grow on the Sizergh estate, near Kendal.
After a visit to the French palace of Versailles, Cecilia returned with sweet chestnut seeds which she planted. These ancient trees can still be seen by visitors today on Ashbank Lane.
The layered meringue and sweet chestnut purée dessert features in the National Trust's new cookbook, Comfort Food, on sale at the Sizergh Castle gift shop from March 7. The cake will be served at the cafe for a limited time only, until March 19.
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