A classic treat for Vanity Fair

The book: Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray

Genre: Classic/ satire

Published: 1848

The bake: Peppermint Crisp Trifle

What’s the story?

Vanity Fair has been called “the greatest novel in the English language” (by British literary critic John Carey). This is one of the reasons why I felt I should read it. It’s also been adapted for everything from silent films, to the radio, to the theatre and television. That means there must be something enduring about the story, right? Right! Vanity Fair is an interesting peek into British society during the Regency era. And it features one of the most memorable literary protagonists ever: Rebecca (Becky) Sharp.

Becky is truly a unique character, and the reader can’t help but admire her ingenuity. She comes from a very humble background but manages to insert herself into high society. She becomes friends with the fairly insipid Amelia Sedley, and her life also becomes entwined with the Crawley-family. Basically, the story follows Becky and Amelia as they navigate society and marriage. This is done against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars. Some of the action takes place in Belgium during the Battle of Waterloo.

Thackeray wrote the novel as a commentary on the British society of the time. It was first published as a 19-volume monthly serial from 1847 to 1848. The narrator acts as the puppet-master and gives his opinion on both the actions of the characters and the conventions of the time in which the story takes place. This makes for an interesting read.

Why read it?

I believe classics deserve to be read, and they are classics for a reason. That said, Vanity Fair is NOT an easy read. It took me quite a while to get into it and to finish it. My edition had 655 closely printed pages. However, once you do get into the story, it is really something special.

Thackeray’s descriptions of the time and place of his story, and his characterization, are absolutely intriguing. I love the character of the little minx (or “the little adventuress”) Becky Sharp. I feel we all know a Becky in our own lives. Someone who, no matter what (s)he gets up to, always manages to slither through difficulties and end up either the poor victim or the glorious victor. The dependable William Dobbin, the clingy Amelia Sedley, the glutton Jos Sedley, mean old Osborne (senior), the rake Rawdon Crawley and the dandy George Osborne… All characters I won’t soon forget.

Take the time and read Vanity Fair, you will feel like you have achieved something when you read those final words: “…let us shut up the box and the puppets, for our play is played out.”

Pair it with: Peppermint Crisp Trifle

One classic deserves another, and most South Africans will tell you, Peppermint Crisp tart is one of our great classics. As mentioned, Vanity Fair has seen many incarnations since it was first published in 1848. Most recently, in 2018 ITV produced a TV series based on the book. How amazing that the story is still entertaining people after 170 years? Similarly, foodies have also gotten creative with Peppermint Crisp tart. Its flavors have been used in everything from cupcakes to drinks! The classic combination of peppermint, chocolate, caramel, biscuits (or cake), and cream is just heavenly.

I decided to give this classic a twist by using homebaked chocolate cake instead of Tennis biscuits in the recipe. I also present it more like a trifle, in individual glasses. Perfect for entertaining! I’m a big fan of Emelia Jackson, winner of Masterchef Australia 2020, and the chocolate cake recipe is hers. I saw it on her Facebook page and just had to make it. It’s very moist and crumbles well. I halved the recipe, but I give the full version here. You can also use store-bought cake or traditional Tennis biscuits if you don’t feel like baking the cake yourself.

Becky Sharp is a social climber and wants only the finest things in life. This trifle certainly is one of those things! That is why it’s the perfect companion for Vanity Fair. I think in another 170 years, people will still be reading Vanity Fair and they will still be enjoying this dessert!