Currently all of England is involved in waiting for the birth of Britain’s newest prince or princess.
And while Kate and William may be occupied with getting the nursery ready, England’s bookmakers are taking bets on everything from the baby’s sex to the baby name chosen by the royal couple.
In olden days, to borrow a phrase from Cole Porter, everyone would be wishing for a boy as only a male could ascend the throne to become the future royal ruler.
Thankfully that male-only tradition has faded away and now the first child born, regardless of its sex, can step into the line of royal succession.
But it’s still fun to guess: Will it be a prince or princess? And that has resurrected a charming English culinary tradition not seen since the birth of Diana’s own beloved sons, Princes William and Harry – Gender Cupcakes.
Hidden by frosting inside each cupcake is a sweet insert of pink (it's a girl!) or blue(it's a boy!) frosting.
When mixed and served at afternoon teas and birth wait parties, each guest declares their internal cupcake color and a tally is made. According to tradition, the winning color number will predict the child’s sex.
Truly a charming and very sweet custom – as enduring as Kate and William’s baby is sure to be..
Your Culinary World copyright Ana Kinkaid/Peter Schlagel 2013
