Rachel and I met while working for a non-governmental organization in London, UK, supporting the same projects in different ways – her with a mastery of figures and accountancy, myself on the programming side. To know Rachel is to know someone who is calm, cool, collected, and ever surprising. From a consistent demeanour regardless of what trials came up at work, to angelic choiring and a fevered passion for rugby, she is a genuinely friendly and talented soul. When she first shared the story below, I was engulfed by a beautiful tale of two families who came together by random happenstance and have built a continued history with food playing a supporting role – naturally. It’s incredibly kind that Rachel, and(!) both sets of families, have shared this touching story and their treasured recipe with Feasting Hearts.

This is a story of friendly neighbours, a bright idea, and cake.