The presentation to the Pope of a silver apple-and-honey dish could have been expected to be one of the high points of the Chief Rabbi's visit to the Vatican last Thursday.

But it was a different gift which grabbed the attention - the delivery of a Tupperware box full of Chief Rebbetzin Valerie Mirvis's homemade Florentines.

The delicious treat has become infamous among movers and shakers meeting the Mirvises.

One Royal Family member was so taken with the snack that she badgered Mrs Mirvis for the recipe for weeks after eating some.

There was only one sticking point at the meeting in the Papal apartments - Pope Francis is watching his waistline.

Nonetheless, before the rabbinic party departed, the Pontiff approached Rebbetzin Mirvis to enquire how he should keep the Florentines fresh.

Diet, what diet?