Recipezaar: English,Historical/Traditional recipes

Old Fashioned English Apple Pie With a Kiss and a Squeeze!

Sat, 09 Feb 2008 12:39:09 -0500

In the UK, we have a famous old rhyme and ditty that goes like this...."Apple pie without cheese, is like a kiss without a squeeze"!! This is my traditional English double crust apple pie WITH a kiss that HAS a squeeze - the CHEESE! Don't worry if you are not a cheese lover, (is there anyone out there who is NOT a cheese lover???) as this pie has the cheese on the SIDE - so you can have your apple pie with cheese or without, it's up to you! This is a tried and tested old family recipe and is based on the pastry and pie recipes in the Be-Ro cookbook. It is wonderful eaten hot with cream, custard or ice cream, as well as with the cheese; and it is an absolute must for lunch boxes and picnics! An interesting historical note - English Apple Pie in one form or another, goes right back to the time of Chaucer in the 12th century. Apple pie should have meltingly crisp and VERY short pastry with layers of spiced apples, preferably Bramley apples, in the middle. If you have a pie funnel, such as a black bird pie funnel - use that for a really traditional touch, as well as directing the steam out of the pie! I have a mixed spice mixture posted on zaar, Recipe #266688. I also have a spiced apple pie sugar posted, Recipe #219453. Replace this for the cup of sugar and the mixed spice listed in this recipe, and omit the lemon rind. -- posted by French Tart

Regency Queen Cakes for Jane Austen's Afternoon Tea Party

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 14:18:43 -0500

A wonderful and very well known Regency recipe for individual cakes studded with fruit and flavoured with rosewater and almonds; I am sure Jane Austen would have served these for afternoon tea on dainty plates with her bone china cups and saucers! I remember making these with my Mum when I was little, and of course licking the wooden spoon and scraping out the mixing bowl! They are easy to make and are delicious with an afternoon cuppa or for a lunch box treat. I have not found out the true meaning behind their name yet - but maybe they were aptly named as they were "fit for a Queen" to eat! The use of rosewater and almonds is a lingering memory left over from our Medieval cooking days and was still very much in evidence throughout the Regency period. This recipe makes about 24 to 30 Queen cakes - depending on the size of your tins, but the quantities can be cut back with ease. However, they DO freeze very well, so maybe making a full batch is a good idea - as long as they make it to the freezer! -- posted by French Tart

Mrs Beeton's Victorian Seed Cake - a Very Good Seed Cake

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 14:34:27 -0500

Yes, this IS a very good seed cake, but that's not my title, but how this recipe is listed in Mrs Beeton's cookbook of Household Management! I love seed cake, the aniseed flavours of the caraway seeds marry so well with the light sponge and subtle spices. You can also add optional chopped candied peel as my grandmother used to - it makes the cake moister. For your interest, I have posted the recipe as it orginally appeared, at the end of the modern adaptation. Seed cake was very popular during the Victorian era, it was often taken as a "Digestive" after a heavy meal or before retiring to bed, as caraway seeds are known for their soothing and digestive qualities. You can omit the brandy if you wish, and add milk in its place. -- posted by French Tart

Black Velvet - Irish Guinness and Champagne Cocktail

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 23:57:07 -0500

Add some sparkle to your Guinness this St Patrick's Day with a splash of Champagne.........this is the perfect way to enjoy your Guinness with a touch of sophistication! This cocktail is also well known in England, Scotland and Wales, as well as Ireland of course! It's easy to make and slips down just like velvet, as the name suggests. Use a good quality sparkling wine if champagne is not available. -- posted by French Tart

Brontë Pie - Emily Brontë's Favourite Meat Pie!

Sun, 02 Mar 2008 20:53:39 -0500

It is said that whilst in Belgium 1843, Emily wrote to her sister Charlotte Brontë, saying that she would rather be in Haworth House (Haworth, Yorkshire) making this pie than be abroad... This recipe comes from Hidden England, where it also says you can use chicken or turkey breast in place of the beef. -- posted by Um Safia

Doncaster Butterscotch - Traditional English!

Sun, 02 Mar 2008 20:54:12 -0500

This is a very traditional English recipe for Butterscotch - it actually hails from Doncaster which is in South Yorkshire. Eat it as a pudding or alternatively use warm as a sauce over ice cream or your favourite sponge pudding etc. or have it as a dip with fresh fruit. Time to make doesn't include cooling time. -- posted by Um Safia

Baked Herb Yorkshire Pudding from English Fields and Hedgerows

Tue, 04 Mar 2008 01:26:06 -0500

This is a delightful pudding, normally eaten at supper time, and it is suitable for vegetarians. It has its origins in Northallerton (North of England) and would have been made from wild herbs, gathered from the hedgerows and fields, and eaten with 'mushy' peas. I found this recipe in a small English regional cookery book - Yorkshire Recipes, and have made it regularly as an alternative to Yorkshire Pudding. Preparation time includes the standing time for the batter. -- posted by French Tart

Ghurka Chicken Cardamom Curry - Kukhra Alainchi Sanga

Tue, 04 Mar 2008 01:28:47 -0500

I have a great deal of admiration for the Ghurka people, as well as happy memories. I went to school with several Ghurka children when I lived in Hong Kong during the 60's and 70's - they were my close friends in the playground as well as in the school room. I was also lucky enough to be invited to their homes for SUPERB Nepalese food, of which one dish was this delicious Chicken Cardamom. This is the way Chicken Cardamom is REALLY cooked. It is not difficult to make and does not take very long either. Cooking it to this recipe will produce a totally authentic dish that will appeal to a wide range of palates. I have posted this recipe because it is so TASTY and the mix of flavours is truly astonishing. This is not a fire breathing curry, but it is warm and subtle. My preference is a long glass of light lager or a few glasses of a dry white wine to accompany the meal. Serve with a jug of water with lemon slices and ice cubes for those thirsty diners. This recipe will make enough for 8 good sized portions. Divide everything by 2 for a standard meal - but keep the cooking times the same - and if you do scale down the quantities just keep an eye on the dish that it does not burn. Historical Note: The Gurkhas are soldiers that have served in the British Army for many years. They come from the Himalayas and they are feared all over the world. The first Gurkhas were fighting men from the mountain kingdom of Nepal -- Rai, Magar, Limbu, Gurung and Sunwar tribesmen.(I found this recipe on the Hidden England website, and I have enjoyed it many times since discovering it!) -- posted by French Tart

Rose Petal Iced Tea

Tue, 04 Mar 2008 23:47:22 -0500

This iced tea is amazing - it smells, looks & tastes divine! This is easy to make, please don't be put off by the time it takes for the rose flavours to infuse.... Time to make doesn't include, chilling or resting time! -- posted by Um Safia

Original Be-Ro Melting Moments-Afternoon Tea Biscuits or Cookies

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 18:42:55 -0500

These are great little "light as a feather" and meltingly crisp English style biscuits, or cookies. This recipe is the slightly adapted recipe from the Be-Ro Flour cookbook - they suggest lard, but I don't "do" lard! Melting Moments ALWAYS made an appearance on my grandmother and mum's afternoon tea table, and we also had them popped into our lunch boxes for school. The recipe is SO easy to rustle up and they stay crisp and fresh for up to 5 days in an airtight tin. You can roll them in coconut or oats, I prefer coconut - but I am sure they would be just as nice with oats, which is a suggested alternative. Children and "big children" love these, and they really are melting moments, great with a cuppa English tea! -- posted by French Tart

Creamy Chicken and Garlic Picnic Pasties-Parcels With Boursin

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 18:46:10 -0500

Delectable litle pasties or pastry parcels filled with tender chunks of chicken breast and French Boursin cream Cheese, delicious! These are so easy to make, as they use cooked chicken breast, making them very handy for any leftovers you might have. France meets England in these pastry parcels, I have taken the idea of a traditional pasty, then added a little French touch with the Boursin cheese, thus dispensing with any need to make a white sauce to bind the chicken! Great for lunch boxes, picnics, lunch, supper or a light meals or snacks.NB: (I would not advise re-heating these, as the chicken has already been cooked twice before - they are just as delicious warm or cold.) -- posted by French Tart

Enid Blyton and the Famous Five's Lashings of Ginger Beer!

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 23:52:01 -0500

By far the most successful of all of Enid Blyton's books, were the twenty-one adventure stories of The Famous Five, who were Julian, Dick, George, Anne and Timmy the dog. The Famous Five characters usually meet up when their respective schools break up for holidays, as the boys go to different boarding schools to the girls. Holidays for the Five consist of either going off on a cycling tour, maybe camping or even visiting strange houses ( castles lighthouses etc etc ). But one thing is for sure, when the Five are about, there is usually an adventure just around the corner! The children's favourite drink was Ginger Beer. It is often quoted that the children drank lashings and lashings of ginger beer. We all know this was never quoted in any of the books but it still seems fitting however, hence my recipe name! Alongside the lashings of ginger beer, The Famous Five consumed vast amounts of sandwiches whilst on their exciting travels! A wonderful old-fashioned ginger beer recipe, worthy of any exciting adventure, discovery or literary picnic! -- posted by French Tart

Elizabethan English Herb and Flower Salad With Honey Dressing

Thu, 06 Mar 2008 00:11:40 -0500

An old Elizabethan salad recipe, but with an air of modernity about it, as our interest increases in herbal and floral remedies in today's busy, stressful and hectic world. I have made some suggestions about which flowers and herbs to use - but PLEASE do check that the flowers and herbs you choose to use are edible!! The French also use flowers in their salads, and although the title suggests this to be an English recipe, this style of herbal and floral salad will have been very common throughout Medieval Europe. I serve this at the Auberge when the flowers and herbs are in season - freshly picked from my garden; it is always enjoyed with great relish and is a vibrant topic of dinner party conversation! It makes a lovely appetiser or can be served with the cheese course for an unusual and pretty accompaniment. Make sure that your flowers and herbs are insecticide free, and are not traffic polluted as well.........wipe them or wash them gently, allowing them to dry before using them. -- posted by French Tart

Queen Mab's Midsummer Night's Dream Rose Petal Cake

Thu, 06 Mar 2008 11:39:29 -0500

Many of you who know me very well on Zaar, will also know of my love of and extensive research into historical traditions, cooking, food and recipes; this is a cake recipe that I have been refining for some time now, and at last, I have tweaked it sufficiently for modern day tastes! Heavenly light sponge cake, which is infused with rose water and studded with fragrant rose petals - Medieval cooking at its very best. Many people think of this type of cake as Middle Eastern, well in fact we have been flirting with saffron, flowers, herbs and nuts for centuries in Britain and Europe - our food has become LESS exotic as the years progressed. There has been a recent revival of using flowers in cooking; I prepare and cook with flowers regularly in the Auberge, and the dishes I prepare with flowers are always popular. You must remember to make sure that any flowers you use are insecticide and traffic pollution free! So, take a journey back into time - to Shakespeare's time and enjoy this delightful and romantic light sponge cake with your afternoon cuppa! This cake is also wonderful for an elegant and special dinner party dessert - serve it with a glass of Sherry, Port or Madeira for a true Shakespearean dessert cake. I have a recipe for Crystallised Rose Petals on Zaar for the decoration; you can also use dried rose buds or fresh rose petals. The name a light and delightful cake made with wild rose petals should have a romantic name, plus this is one of my favourite plays by Shakespeare! Recipe #248004 -- posted by French Tart

Betty's of York Tea Room Fat Rascals - Fruit Buns/Scones

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 23:13:56 -0400

When I worked in York, I used to nip down to Betty's of York Tea Rooms in my lunch break and treat myself to one of these delicious buns! Actually, they are a cross between a bun and a scone, and Betty's Fat Rascals differ from some other recipes, as they have whole blanched almonds and glace cherries on top! The origin of the name is unknown, but they are thought to have been made since the mid 19th Century - under the name of Fat Rascals! They originate from Yorkshire and Durham, and are very popular in most bakeries in the North East of England. These tasty fruit and peel buns are wonderful with a cuppa, to take on a picnic or, to tuck into a lunch box for the hungry workers and children! The original recipe uses lard, probably where the word "Fat" comes from - but I am not a lover of lard, so I have specified butter. A poignant historical note: A few years after Bettys opened its doors in York war broke out, and Bettys in particular the basement Bettys Bar became a favourite haunt of thousands of airmen stationed around York. Bettys Mirror, on which many of them engraved their signatures with a diamond pen, remains on display today as a fitting tribute to their bravery, as obviously, some never came back. (NB: I note that a reviewer has said these are NOT Betty's Fat Rascals!! Well of course they aren't, as I don't have the "secret" recipe - but they are a very close match! There are dozens of Fat Rascals recipes throughout Yorkshire, this recipe is as close as you will get outside Betty's Tea Room! Enjoy them as a typical Yorkshire treat, as I still do in France!) -- posted by French Tart

Homemade English Ale Mustard With Garlic

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 23:33:07 -0400

A delicious and traditional English style artisanal mustard made with good English ale and garlic; the type of mustard that is so expensive to buy in the supermarkets. Home-made mustard is easy to make and very satisfying, as you can add special ingredients to suit your taste. This mustard is wonderful served with all manner of pies, pasties and savoury pastries, as well as cold meats, steaks, roasts and sausages. It is a quick maturing mustard, and is ready to eat in two weeks. Makes an ideal gift, especially for men and BBQ fanatics! -- posted by French Tart

British Breakfast in Bed - Boiled Eggs and Marmite Soldiers

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 01:56:15 -0400

The quintessential British breakfast, and perfect for breakfast in bed - Boiled Eggs and Marmite Soldiers are a British culinary institution! The following instructions give you a perfect soft-boiled egg, suitable for "dipping" with your "soldiers"! You either love marmite or hate it, don't use it if you cannot find it locally or just don't like it!! You must still cut your toast into "soldiers" however!! -- posted by French Tart

Old English Posh Picnic Raised Chicken and Ham Pie

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 01:25:27 -0400

I will not pretend that this pie is easy or quick to make, however, if you want to impress your friends or family with a sensational "posh" English raised pie then this is the recipe for you! Tender chunks of chicken with pork sausage meat and ham are encased in crisp hot water crust pastry, liberally seasoned with spices and herbs; this pie makes a simply stunning centrepiece for any Glyndebourne style picnic event or for a special celebratory cold buffet, such as weddings, christenings or anniversaries. The pastry used in this pie recipe is hot water crust pastry, which is a direct descendant of "coffer" paste that was used to encase and protect meat whilst it cooked centuries ago the pies then being called coffyns! The pastry is shaped by hand whilst it is still warm, and is excellent for using with intricate pie moulds - the technique is known as "hand raised" and pies made this way are called "raised pies". The pastry is easy to make, but MUST be kept warm whilst you are using it - I keep mine warm over a pan of simmering water. This pastry is excellent for all types of traditional raised pies, such as Game pies, Pork pies and Veal and Ham pies. (Preparation time includes the one day needed for the pie to cool down and then for jellied stock to be added, and then allowing for the jellied stock to set.) -- posted by French Tart

Green Tomato Chutney - Traditional English Recipe

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 18:36:10 -0400

My Mum used to make green tomato chutney many years ago but she lost the recipe. I have spent ages looking for a replacement recipe & this is the closest to what we remember. This recipe is adapted from one on Hidden England. I love this best with cheese sandwiches or a ploughmans salad etc. Time to make doesn't include the 'resting' times given. -- posted by Um Safia

Fabulous Shamrock Sugar Cookies

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:35:43 -0400

These are fantastic cookies to have for celebrating St. Patricks Day in style! If you don't have a shamrock cookie cutter then draw a shamrock onto a piece of thick card, cut out & use as a template. You can make these ahead of time & freeze (un-iced). Time to make doesn't include chilling time. The kids love to help out in the kitchen when we make these. -- posted by Um Safia

Cheddar Cheese and Chutney Toasted Doorstep Sandwich!

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 23:42:10 -0400

A real old fashioned British style "Doorstep" sandwich, jazzed up a wee bit by adding chutney with mayonnaise and then toasting it........just delicious! The only criteria for these toasted "sarnies" is that you use THICK slices of good quality white Farmhouse style bread; such as home-made or Artisanal crusty bread! And, a good quality Cheddar cheese - preferably mature with good mayonnaise and tangy chutney! Although I have given the method for grilling (broiling) these sarnies, they'll be fine if they're made in an electric sandwich or grilling machine, such as a George Foreman. There is no need to add the chutney separately then, just add it to the cheese and mayonnaise mixture. This is a recipe for one greedy person - please increase the quantities for more greedy people if necessary!! -- posted by French Tart

Love It or Hate It - Marmite and Cheese Straws With a Twist!

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 15:35:17 -0400

Another one of my daughter's recipes - she always makes these for us when she is home. Cheesy, crispy and flaky pastry straws with a lick of marmite - great for pre-dinner drinks, picnics, lunch boxes or snacks. The Marmite company has a very clever advert that announces that you either LOVE Marmite or HATE it! I love it, that's why it has been added to these delicious Cheese Straws........however, if you HATE it - I have suggested alternatives. My daughter only ever uses Marmite in her cheese straws - but then she is also a Marmite lover! Serve these in a tall glass for tasty appetiser nibbles - if you are using the other flavours, you can lable the glasses so Marmite haters can be pre-warned! Have fun! (For all my Aussie friends - PLEASE use Vegemite if you REALLY have to!!!) -- posted by French Tart

Butter Me Up! Baked Butter Bean, Bacon and Thyme Cassoulet

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 02:21:32 -0400

A delicious combination of butter beans baked au gratin with crisp bacon, onions and thyme - all bound in a tomato, crème fraiche and wine sauce! This should also be known as Fragrant Savoury Room Scenter - as the smell as this cooks is divine!! This recipe is real European fusion cuisine - the cassoulet idea from France, with the parmesan and wine sauce from Italy, and the crispy smoked bacon rashers from England. Serve this as a main meal for supper or lunch with salad and crusty bread, or as an accompaniment for sausages, stews, casseroles or roast meats........the bacon can be left out if you are serving it as an accompaniment. NB: This recipe was born when I tried to follow a recipe posted here on Zaar, Recipe #263905 - posted by Lindsey and originally a Nigel Slater recipe; I had no haricot beans, but I did have butter beans and lots of other bits and bobs to use up! I LOVE Lindsey's recipe - but feel that this recipe is different enough to warrant posting it - so, thanks to Linds and Nigel for the original idea! Preparation time includes cooking the bacon and the onion. -- posted by French Tart

Traditional Devon Cream Tea Strawberry Jam - Strawberry Conserve

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 02:25:31 -0400

A fabulous recipe for a soft set strawberry jam, or rather a strawberry conserve, where most of the fruit remains whole and is suspended in a delicious strawberry flavoured jammy syrup! This conserve reminds me of the traditional Cream Teas you get in the West country of England - especially Devon and Cornwall; a pot of tea served with fluffy fresh scones, butter, thick cream and this strawberry conserve. (Preparation time includes the 2 days allowed for the fruit to stand in the sugar.) This type of jam recipe is also very French, they tend to have a softer set jam here in France - it is lovely to see WHOLE pieces of fruit on your toast or scones! I also use this for steamed puddings - absolutely divine! -- posted by French Tart

Heritage Bread and Butter Pickle - Pickled Cucumber and Onions

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 01:17:39 -0400

An easy and old fashioned pickle that takes its name from the fact that this pickle goes so well with simple bread and butter, or sandwiches. This pickle must be stored in a DARK place, or the cucumbers will lose their colour, and it is best eaten after 2 months. I always try to have a jar or two of this colourful and tangy pickle tucked away in my pantry - as it makes fabulous sandwiches for teatime or picnics, as well as being an ideal accompaniment for simple suppers and light toasted snacks. This recipe is ideal when cucumbers are cheap or you have a glut in your garden. If you don't have time to wait before eating this, I also have a "quick" recipe for this type of pickle posted on Zaar: Recipe #245742 . -- posted by French Tart

Cool As a Cucumber! Cheese, Cucumber and Chive Sandwich Spread

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 23:33:39 -0400

A must for cool people - or those who like cucumbers! This is a very versatile sandwich spread or dip, which is so easy to whip up at the last minute; it makes VERY elegant sandwiches and is a wonderful accompaniment for smoked salmon, prawns (shrimp) or tuna. I have also used it to spread on savoury scones and crackers. If you plan to make this a day before you need to use it, you might like to salt the cucumbers first - as they do release water into the spread. -- posted by French Tart

Bread and Butter Pudding French Toast Sandwiches

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 13:03:10 -0400

Yes really! This is a pan-fried version of bread and butter pudding, made in the method of a French toast sandwich! A wonderful recipe, which is just the ticket for a lazy weekend breakfast or brunch, OR as a mid-week quick and easy dessert. Although it is not necessary to stamp out the rounds of bread, it DOES look so much nicer - you can use the excess bread to make breadcrumbs for baking, I never seem to have enough! I have also made this recipe with sliced brioche, now that is TOTALLY delicious, especially when served as a dessert with jam, whipped cream or even custard! You can "lighten" this recipe very easily by using low fat cream, low fat spread and fat free milk, then spray the pan with low-fat cooking spray. -- posted by French Tart

The British Bulldog! Traditional Layered Beef Steak Suet Pudding

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 20:37:23 -0400

A traditional British steamed savoury pudding - fluffy dumping style suet pastry layered with tender and succulent braised beef steak - pure comfort food. Once you have prepared this, just let it steam quietly away in the background, whilst you get on with other things. Unmould this pudding at the table and serve it immediately with extra gravy, steamed seasonal greens and mounds of fluffy mashed potatoes. There is an urban myth in the UK, that men ask woman who can cook this delicious savoury pudding to marry them........be warned.......be careful! Preparation time includes the cooking of the beef steak before the pudding is made and steamed. (This recipe comes from my family's recipe collection - it was cooked regularly by my grandmother and my mum; the original recipe is written in pencil on a scrap of paper.........it was like finding real treasure!) -- posted by French Tart

Cheddar Gorgeous! Cheese and Onion Bread and Butter Pudding

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 23:35:41 -0400

I have always prefered savoury food to sweet food, and this is a recipe I made up for a savoury version of one of my favourite sweet puddings, Bread and Butter Pudding. This savoury dish is easy to rustle up and makes a tasty supper, breakfast, brunch or lunch dish. Do try to use mature farmhouse Cheddar cheese, a little goes a long way as the flavour is so pronounced. This can be made the night before you need it, for breakfast or brunch, and then baked next morning - a great make ahead meal! -- posted by French Tart

Baked Butternut Squash and Parmesan Cheese Gratin

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 18:14:14 -0400

A delicious gratin dish that can be eaten as a main course for vegetarians or works very well as a tasty vegetable accompaniment. This simple gratin can be prepared beforehand and kept covered in the fridge - just remember to take it out for 30 minutes before baking it. The crumbly cheese topping contains pecans, however walnuts can be substituted if pecans aren't available. -- posted by French Tart

Scottish Baps - Soft Morning Bread Rolls

Wed, 07 May 2008 19:35:43 -0400

These classic Scottish bread rolls are so easy to make - with only one kneading required. They are soft with a distinctive floured finish and are excellent for all manner of fillings, but especially bacon or cheese and salad. These baps are quite wide without much height, and they must only be baked for a maximum of 10 minutes in order to maintain their soft texture. Preparation time includes the proving and kneading time. They are best eaten on the day that they are made - they are delicious toasted the next day however. -- posted by French Tart

Banoffee Bananas With Buttermilk Pancakes, Ginger and Cream

Thu, 08 May 2008 15:07:03 -0400

This is a very naughty dessert or breakfast/brunch dish - but it is nice to have a treat now and then, so why not! Glossy caramelised toffee bananas served sandwiched between light, fluffy pancakes and then topped with more bananas and ginger syrup with whipped cream............how decadent is that! I used this ginger syrup last time I made these, Recipe #271638 by Sharon 123, it was excellent! -- posted by French Tart

Traditional Cottage Loaf - Old Fashioned Rustic English Bread

Fri, 16 May 2008 19:07:43 -0400

Just the shape of this traditional loaf of bread is reminiscent of ploughman's lunches and warm cottage kitchens! A delightfully shaped loaf of bread, which represents all that is rustic and rural in Britain, but especially England. This bread keeps well and makes lovely, if odd shaped sandwiches! Cut the loaf into wedges and serve with freshly churned butter and a hunk of mature Cheddar cheese, maybe with a pickled onion or two. Quintessential British bread at its best. This reminds me of baking days in my grandmothers old cottage, sitting in her warm and cosy kitchen; she would have baked this in her wood burning Aga stove, as I sometimes do in the winter when my Godin wood burning stove is working. I often leave the first batch of dough to prove and rise overnight - leave it in a cool but NOT cold place, and then continue shaping and proving it next morning. We used to call this wooden spoon bread when we were little, as you push a wooden spoon down through the two loaves to stick them together before baking! Preparation time includes the proving of the dough - but NOT the overnight method! -- posted by French Tart

Onion Soup

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 23:34:40 -0400

The English cookery writer, Hanna Glasse published this recipe in the 1747 volume she signed only By A Lady. It is an amzing soup and a must for all soup lovers. We have served this many times and always run out as guests ask for seconds. Hope you enjoy as much as we do. Simply delicious -- Enjoy also as a lunchtime snack with hot crusty bread and some cheese. -- posted by The Maltese Falcon ~ # 869978

Méli-Mélo:a Muddle and Medley of Heirloom Tomatoes

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 20:01:59 -0400

Méli-Mélo is a wonderful French word which simply translated means a mixture, medley, assortment. selection or to use the old English word, a Muddle! This is a simple and yet stunning tomato salad, which relies heavily on assorted sun-ripened tomatoes, sea salt, herbs and good olive oil. It makes a "stand-alone" meal or a wonderful accompaniment. The tomatoes I used in the salad in my photographs were good old fashioned heirloom tomatoes called: Pineapple (yellow and mottled red inside - sweet and fruity flavoured), Black Krim (black-ish skin and dark purple inside - tangy taste), Marmande (Traditional French toms with a beefy taste and texture), Brandywine (dark Bordeaux colour with superb flavour), Moneymaker (traditional English toms - a gardener's favourite - full of flavour) and Auriga (medium orange tom with a sharp and tangy flavour). Try to use a selection of different shapes, colours and flavours when you make this salad. Do NOT omit the salting process it is essential to this recipe as it brings out the flavours to their fullesttrust me; this salad is NOT salty as the salt drains away with the excess tomato juices! Serve this with grilled artisanal breads such as boule, couronne, ciabatta, cottage loaf, home-made breads or crusty rolls. Grilled cheese or fresh goats cheese is also a wonderful addition to this salad. Alternatively, serve it alongside grilled or barbecued meats or with pasties, pies or quiches it really is simply delicious just by itself however! -- posted by French Tart

Yummy Parkin - British Gingerbread / Cake

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 23:16:21 -0400

I was born & raised in "Parkin Country" & I can't get enough of the stuff! I love it when it's really rich & sticky - fabulous with a cup of freshly brewed coffee. This is one version of Parkin, recipe from Asda. -- posted by Um Safia

Absolutely Sinful! Sticky Toffee Pudding With Pecan Toffee Sauce

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 21:39:14 -0400

This is as wicked as it sounds. A truly delectable combination of flavours and textures that are light and melt in the mouth. I would choose this as a Christmas or New Year dinner party dessert, as the puddings freeze well and are no trouble to re-heat. A modern British classic - sticky toffee pudding was thought to have originated from the Sharrow Bay Hotel in Ullswater in the Lake District of Northern England There is also a school of thought that John Tovey at Miller Howe in Windermere was the first to make this. Either way, the pudding is as iconic today as it was when it was first baked and devoured by the lucky diners of either one of those hotels! My recipe is based on the recipe that Delia Smith published in her Christmas cookbook, but I have made several changes that I feel work better for me, the main change is to increase the pecan toffee sauce quantities, as I have had grown people - mainly males - fighting over who gets the last dribble of this delectable sauce!! I hope you find the step-by-step photos useful when you make this for the first time. (This was featured in the September 2008 Cooking School Topic of the Month on Zaar - a wonderful event where lots of talented chefs on Zaar showed off their culinary skills through photographic tutorials!) Prep time includes the time needed for soaking the dates. -- posted by French Tart

James Martin - Pan Fried Cod With Gremolata & Sauce Vierge

Sat, 20 Sep 2008 01:48:40 -0400

Another wonderful James Martin recipe for two people. The full name if this recipe is ''Pan-fried cod with gremolata, new potatoes and sauce vierge'' but it would fit! -- posted by Um Safia

Decadent Strawberry and White Chocolate Cupcakes

Sun, 21 Sep 2008 23:48:50 -0400

These gorgeous cupcakes are perfect for garden parties, afternoon tea, baby showers or an everday treat! Easy to make and beautiful too! -- posted by Um Safia

Hot Diggedy Dogs! Bonfire Bangers in Wraps (Hot Dogs/Sausages)

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 23:26:33 -0400

A deliciously different way of serving up Hot Dogs for Bonfire Night or Halloween! Choose your favourite bangers or dogs, mine are high meat content Lincolnshire sausages with herbs, then oven bake them for ease with sticky roasted mustard coated onions - all in one pan! Serve with lashings of tomato relish or tomato ketchup for a great comfort dish on the run! The great thing about this recipe is that it can also be kept warm in the oven, whilst the spooky activities are in action, or dad is still trying to light the DAMP fireworks in the garden!! If you are serving this to little ones who may not like the mustard, just leave it out and add a little tomato puree instead for a tomatoey onion taste. (Edited and adapted from a Good Food recipe, 2007) -- posted by French Tart

Twit Twooo, Hooting Halloween Owls - Halloween Cupcakes/Muffins

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 23:29:06 -0400

These are GREAT fun! Bake some chocolate fairy cakes, muffins or cupcakes, decorate them and then turn them into Hooting Halloween Owls! I made these last year for a children's Halloween party, and they all loved them. The recipe is based on our British fairy cake or angel cake recipe, where the top of the baked cake or muffin is cut off to create the "wings". I have stated some sweets (candy) that are British - please use your own local sweets to decorate the owls. This is a wonderful recipe idea that I have changed and adapted from Tana Ramsay, the wife of the famous Gordon Ramsay.....she has some great family recipes, of which this is one. (Preparation time includes the time to decorate and ice them after they have been baked.) My Recipe #328085 would also be great Halloween companions for these hooting owls! -- posted by French Tart

Spooky Spider Cupcakes/Muffins for a Howling Halloween!

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 15:28:38 -0400

I JUST love these little spider cakes, when I make them, their faces make me laugh - well, I am easily pleased! Furthermore, they are VERY tasty - they have a much better flavour than NORMAL spiders I find, their legs are a little too chewy! The cake mixture is a double chocolate cake mixture - with cocoa and chocolate pieces, topped off with a chocolate butter cream. The decorations are made using Liquorice Allsorts and liquorice strings/laces or Catherine wheels as we call them in Great Britain. They are easy to make and can be frozen before you decorate them. I made these for TOTM Cooking School September 2008 - I hope you find the step-by-step photos handy when you come to bake and decorate them. An idea we had for an adult Halloween party - turn the spiders upside down so they have their legs in the air, and scatter wine corks amongst them on a plate........only joking! :-) If you fancy some wise companions for these spooky spiders, try these: Recipe #326716. -- posted by French Tart

Harvest Festival - English Baked Stuffed Autumn Marrow/Zucchini

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 00:30:42 -0400

Harvest Home! A heart warming and traditional English recipe, which is a wonderful way to deal with those large marrows (zucchini) from the autumn garden! The marrow is stuffed with a savoury beef and onion mixture and is then baked in foil. This is an old family recipe, which always pleases and is regularly requested when these giant marrows are in season it is hearty and full of flavour and is wonderful when served with a hot tomato sauce, steamed fresh seasonal vegetables and piles of fluffy mashed potatoes. The preparation is a little time-consuming, but the stuffed marrow is then baked slowly in the oven, leaving you free to follow other pursuits. I have posted a full set of step-by-step photos with this recipe, it shows how easy it is to prepare and cook, as well as showing how delicious it looks when served piping hot at your dinner table! The title of this recipe was taken from memories of all the Harvest Festivals we had every year, that were held at school or the local parish church - marrows (LARGE zucchini) were always a BIG feature of the harvest display! -- posted by French Tart

Canadian Maple Walnut Layer Cake With Fudge Frosting

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 23:43:24 -0400

This never fails to please; walnut and maple syrup sponge cakes, which are frosted and sandwiched together with maple fudge frosting/icing, divine! This is NOT a light airy-fairy sponge cake, as it is made with soft brown sugar to enhance the fudge and maple flavours - and it needs to be fairly robust to hold the walnuts in the cake mixture. It is however, a soft pudding type cake with lots of texture and an amazing taste. Of course this can be made with excellent maple syrup from the USA, but I have called it a Canadian cake, as the maple syrup and maple extract was sent to me by a kind Zaar friend in Canada. The cake is baked in two cake tins; the two cakes can then be cut in two again, making a three-layer cake, (four pieces of cake = three layers) it depends on how high they rise. If you do make a three-layer cake, you may need a little more fudge frosting and filling. This cake keeps very well in an airtight container or tin for up to a week. The cake can also be frozen before icing and frosting defrost it overnight, then assemble and ice the cake when fully defrosted. Pecans can also be used in place of walnuts but I prefer the taste of walnuts with the maple syrup. -- posted by French Tart

Yorkshire Parkin - Sticky Oatmeal Gingerbread for Bonfire Night

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 16:39:04 -0400

A wonderful tradition from Northern England, in particular from the county of Yorkshire; this wonderful gingerbread is traditionally eaten on the 5th November which is Bonfire Night, also called Guy Fawkes night or Fireworks Night. There are many ways to make ginger parkin; this is my recipe for this deliciously, sticky and dark gingerbread with oats. This recipe is an egg free parkin, and I was always told that Parkin should NEVER contain eggs in it, whether that is true or not, I'm not sure! Try to plan ahead when you make this recipe, it is MUCH better when kept for 2 to 3 days before eating, as it become stickier and more intense in flavour. This keeps for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container and freezes well, if there is any left! I use jumbo porridge oats in my parkin, for a nice chewy texture - but any porridge oats or oatmeal will be suitable. Please note, if you make this with the suggested alternatives of corn syrup and molasses, it will not be quite the same flavour, but it should still be sticky! -- posted by French Tart

Topsy Turvy Crispy Roast Chicken With Salt Crust Seasoning

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:50:12 -0500

A great method for cooking a perfect whole roast chicken - no dried out breast meat and no half raw leg and thigh meat, just moist chicken with crispy, seasoned skin. I like to use corn-fed chickens for a truly lovely texture, flavour and colour. The salt crust and seasoning mix that I suggest, really gives a great flavour and crispy finish; however, if you have your own favourite seasoning mix, please use that instead. Salting chicken before cooking draws out excess moisture, making the flesh firmer and the skin crispy. Serve this roast chicken with traditional accompaniments such as roast potatoes, stuffing, fresh seasonal vegetables and gravy. (It is nice to buy and cook organic or humanely produced chickens; I realise that they cost a little bit more, but the taste is superior and you will not be supporting a cruel and unnecessary way of animal husbandry - you taste what you pay for!) -- posted by French Tart

Faire Garbage

Sun, 30 Nov 2008 02:58:56 -0500

Posted to the SCA_recipes LiveJournal community. Garbage, in this sense, refers to the chicken organ meats. Adapted from a recipe in "Two Fifteenth-Century Cookery Books." "Take faire Garbage, chikenes hedes, ffete, lyvers, And gysers, and wassh hem clene; caste hem into a faire potte, And caste fressh broth of Beef, powder of Peper, Canell, Clowes, Maces, Parcely and Sauge myced small; then take brede, stepe hit in + e same brothe, Drawe hit thorgh a streynour, cast thereto, And lete boyle ynowe; caste there-to pouder ginger, vergeous, salt, And a litull Safferon, And serve hit forthe." -- posted by DrGaellon

Stew With Herbs and Barley

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 17:08:28 -0500

Posted to the SCA_recipes LiveJournal community. Can be made with rabbit, hare, veal or chicken, depending on preference and availability. Documented to 7th century England. -- posted by DrGaellon

Our Daily Bread in a Crock - Weekly Make and Bake Rustic Bread

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 17:41:50 -0500

Make up a large batch of rustic artisanal bread dough, store it and then bake a loaf each day you need fresh bread, amazing but true! This is a hodge podge of old fashioned English and French rustic bread recipes; the bread dough is made up ahead of time and stored (in the old days) in an earthenware crock or bowl, with a lid. You tear a piece of the dough off as and when you want to bake a loaf of bread. Easy! I use this style of bread dough regularly in the B and B, so I can always have fresh bread or bread rolls on hand for breakfast. You can add other types of flour to the basic white batch, as long as the ratio remains the same - you can mix rye or wholewheat flour with the white, or add herbs, onions, seeds, fruit and other flavourings. The dough can be used as soon as the initial proving has finished, but it will keep in a cool place or a fridge for a week or two - I do not recommend longer than 2 weeks however. The dough can be used for free form bread loaves, in bread tins, as rolls or other shapes. I have kept this technique and recipe to myself for a while, but I have decided to share it on Zaar now, mainly as my daughter keeps asking for the basic dough recipe! I notice that this type of long-term or long-life bread dough has made a revival in a new book called Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day; this recipe however, is a very old technique and method, dough was always made up for the week and then kept in the cold room or pantry for daily baking. My grandmother who lived in a 600 year old cottage in Northern England, used to have a stone slab in the Pantry where she kept her crock and dough, I remember sticking my finger in it!! This amount makes about 4 to 5 loaves of bread, depending on the weight and shape of the bread that you bake. -- posted by French Tart

Fannie Taylor Harris' Wine Jelly

Sun, 14 Dec 2008 00:36:14 -0500

This recipe I am almost certain has English roots. The use of Blackberry wine is essentially Southern. I would guess the original called for sherry or port. Since the creator of this version was a good family friend I have eaten it many times in the past at Christmas. -- posted by Dan-Amer #1

Magical Christmas Fairy Cakes - Christmas Fairy Cupcakes

Sun, 14 Dec 2008 00:43:49 -0500

Some recipe classics never go out of fashion and fairy cakes top the list They are the stuff of childhood memories: just one nibble can transport you back in time and even today, no self-respecting children's birthday party would be without them. That said, why should the kids have all the fun? With just a little tweaking, fairy cakes can be turned into grown-up fare as well, perfect for a mid-morning coffee break, tea in the afternoon, packed lunch treats, OR for the Christmas tea table. The basic recipe is oh-so-simple so you can keep it plain or indulge yourself with extravagant toppings; for Christmas, I have used fondant icing snowflakes and edible sparkles/cake glitter. Some die-hard purists may omit the vanilla extract but I think fairy cakes are better with it added. Prep time includes the time it takes to decorate the fairy cakes. The edible cake sparkles and glitter is available from most good cake decorating or sugar craft shops. -- posted by French Tart

Rootin' Tootin' Roasted Roots - Roasted Root Vegetables in Paper

Sun, 11 Jan 2009 13:00:55 -0500

An easy to throw together recipe that I made to accompany several meals over the Festive period this year. The trick for these roasted roots is to cook them en papillote (in a paper parcel) for the first 30 minutes - almost oven steaming them, before opening up the paper and allowing them to brown and go crunchy and crispy around the edges! Sprinkle them with sea salt, cayenne pepper and freshly ground black pepper before serving them in the paper on a flat plate. You can also make smaller individual parcels for full dining impact!! Use whatever root vegetables you have to hand. The vegetables listed in this recipe are the ones that I used for the last few times of cooking this dish, but I can see possibilities of many more veggies, especially when they are in season. You can reduce the fat content in this recipe by adding just a teaspoon of olive oil and putting the vegetables in a zip-lock bag with the oil, then give it all a good shake, I went FULL fat throughout Christmas and the New Year period! However, I think now the diet is back on the agenda, I will roast these the low fat way! -- posted by French Tart

Drop Dead Gorgeous - Garlic Studded Roast Leg of Lamb

Sun, 11 Jan 2009 20:56:14 -0500

This is the name my daughter came up with when I served this roast leg of lamb for Boxing Day this Christmas holiday! We love roast leg of lamb and this was a variation on my normal way of roasting it. I would have studded the leg with fresh rosemary as well as garlic, but I could not find it under the snow and heavy frost, another time! I am spoilt for choice with fresh lamb in France (and when I go home to the UK), but when I cannot get hold of fresh local lamb, I buy frozen New Zealand or Australian leg of lamb - which is always excellent. One tip I would like to share is ALWAYS allow the meat to rest for at least 10 minutes before carving - it allows all the juices to run back into the lamb and makes it moist, tender and easier to carve. Serve the slices of meat on hot dinner plates with lashings of piping hot gravy and you're done! Roast leg of lamb will go nicely with roast, mashed of gratin potatoes and a medley of fresh seasonal vegetables, especially green beans. Save the roasting juices to make your gravy - allowing them to cool slightly before skimming off the fat that will rise to the surface. This would be an ideal meal for Mother's Day and Easter - Spring lamb is delectable if you can get hold of it fresh. -- posted by French Tart

The Queen of Hearts - Valentine's Jam Tarts

Sun, 11 Jan 2009 21:41:53 -0500

Jam tarts are a quintessential British teatime treat - little crispy short crust pastry rounds filled with assorted fruit jams, such as strawberry, raspberry, apricot, blackcurrant and lemon curd. They were the first things my mum taught me to bake when I was little, and in turn, I taught my daughter how to make them when she was very small. Here I have suggested that as a Valentine's Day treat, you top the jam tarts with a little pastry heart........after all, the way to a loved one's heart is through their stomach! Jam Tarts normally do NOT have any pastry topping however, so for the rest of the year, just make them as posted with no pastry lid, or use other suitable shapes appropriate for a special event. I have posted homemade short crust pastry, it is so easy to make and is far superior to ready-made, although I DO use ready-made when I am short of time! Try to use good quality or homemade jams and jellies, the higher the fruit content, the less the jam or jelly will bubble out of the pastry case. These are essential for any English Tea Party, especially if Alice in Wonderland has been invited............along with the white rabbit! Have fun! -- posted by French Tart

Victoria Sandwich - Classic English Sponge Cake for Tea Time

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 01:02:38 -0500

The Victoria Sandwich is the quintessential English cake, conjuring up images of old England and afternoon tea. It's always been a favourite in cake baking competitions and is even used by manufacturers to test new cookers.This is one of the recipes that I use when I make my Victoria Sandwich sponge cake - the other method is posted at the end of the recipe; the ingredients are the same but the weight ratio is slightly different. This method is the original and more traditional way of weighing your ingredients, bearing in mind that the recipe is Victorian! A true Victoria Sandwich would only contain jam, usually raspberry, but as the cake became more popular and cooks became more affluent, cream was added as a delicious addition. I was always taught that caster sugar was sprinkled on top - again, icing sugar is often used nowadays. This recipe adaptation was taken from the WI website, a wonderful organisation in Great Britain for woman of all ages, backgrounds, race or creed - remember The Calendar Girls? They were all WI members! Historical note: Anna, the Duchess of Bedford (1788-1861), one of Queen Victoria's ladies-in-waiting, is credited as the creator of tea time. She invited friends to join her for an additional afternoon meal at five o'clock in her rooms. The menu centred around small cakes, bread and butter sandwiches, assorted sweets, and, of course, tea.The practice of inviting friends to come for tea in the afternoon was quickly picked up by other social hostesses. Queen Victoria adopted the new craze for afternoon tea time. By 1855, the Queen and her ladies were in formal dress for the Victorian tea time parties. This simple cake was one of the queen's favourites and was named in honour of the Queen as a mark of the cake's most devoted followers! (I used home made lemon curd for the cake in my photos, a tangy change from raspberry jam!) -- posted by French Tart

Battered Fish - Like the Fish & Chip Shop!

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 00:04:53 -0500

My family loves fish & chips from the 'chippie'.....but recently it has become far too expensive & we have been dissapointed a few times by the quality of the food. So, here we have the recipe I came up with to satisfy the family when they fancy fish 'n' chips. You can use any white fish fillet you prefer. I like to cut mine into 5" strips so they cook quicker & fit a bit better in my small fryer! If you have any batter left over, it makes great onion rings too...... -- posted by Um Safia

Dainty Egg and Chive Tea Sandwiches for Tea-Time

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 13:51:01 -0500

I am compiling a sandwiches cookbook, or sarnies as we call them in the UK, and here is my first recipe! Sandwiches come in many guises, from simple and elegant to hearty and robust; in my cookbook I aim to have them ALL in there! Sandwiches tick all the boxes for so many meals and events: the obvious high teatime table, cricket teas, picnics, packed lunches and quick snacks. These sandwiches are dainty and elegant and would be ideal for the teatime table. The use of fresh chives gives them a bit of a lift and you must try to use the salad cream as well as the mayonnaise; salad cream has a pronounced vinegary flavour which cuts through the richness of the mayonnaise and eggs. -- posted by French Tart

Peas and Pearls (Creamed Green Peas With Pearl Onions)

Sat, 07 Mar 2009 02:32:40 -0500

Peas & Pearls are a lovely accompaniment to Sunday roast chicken, or to traditional ham or lamb dishes! You may use fresh seasonal petite baby peas and white pearl onions, when available. -- posted by BecR

Classic English Salad Cream - Oil Free Salad Dressing

Sun, 08 Mar 2009 00:46:32 -0500

The salad cream that most of us in the UK know, love and use was invented by Heinz in 1914 and was very popular with working classes; a truly socialist salad dressing if you will. However, its popularity waned in the latter part of the century, with the arrival of the decadent mayonnaise, flaunting its Continental French and Spanish roots and pushing the humble salad cream to one side. However, like any good socialist, salad cream would not go away and still remains a firm favourite in the UK with people who have refused to climb that social ladder to mayonnaise!! My recipe for homemade salad cream comes from Mrs Beeton's cookbook originally, but I have made some modifications. Mrs Beeton uses quite a lot of vinegar in my humble opinion, but the recipe is flexible so add more if you wish. I prefer salad cream when I am trying to cut back on fat - plus I rather like it's tangy flavour, and it is truly wonderful when spooned over hard boiled eggs or fresh lettuce leaves. Or, try it in sandwiches and dips, for a lighter taste to mayonnaise. -- posted by French Tart

Summer Memories: Jumbleberry Crumble With Shortbread Topping

Sun, 08 Mar 2009 17:32:50 -0400

This was a quick throw it together Sunday Lunch pudding idea - raid the freezer for all the nearly used bags of frozen summer fruits, such as cherries, raspberries, blackcurrants, redcurrants, bilberries (blueberries), blackberries and strawberries. Fling them all into an ovenproof gratin dish; whizz up a shortbread crumble topping - and Bob's your uncle and Fanny's your aunt, as we say down our way!!!! We loved it, the combination of fruits was wonderful - and it is a great idea for using up whatever fruits you have lurking in your freezer. I am sure that fresh fruit would also be suitable. We like our fruits to be on the tart side - so pleased add sugar to taste! Serve the crumble with hot custard, cold custard, cream, ice cream, crème fraiche or whatever you fancy! -- posted by French Tart

A Pint of Prawns and Guinness Chaser - British Pub Grub!

Sun, 08 Mar 2009 17:37:21 -0400

Classic and traditional British Pub Grub! Cooked prawns (shrimps) served in a pint mug with a tangy garlic mayonnaise and a pint of Guinness of course - my idea of heaven! British pub grub is justly famous and this simple dish is also great when served at home. Serve these prawns for family gatherings, or St Patrick's Day, St George's Day, St David's Day, St Andrew's Day, Australia Day, football, superbowl, darts matches or ANY time you fancy simple, robust food with a pint of ale! I have suggested Guinness but you can serve these prawns with any real ale or your favourite brew. I have spiced the mayonnaise up a tad - if you are not a lover of spicy food, serve these prawns with classic mayonnaise. -- posted by French Tart

Mawmeny (Chicken Stew)

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 00:40:39 -0400

This dish looks very similar to any number of Indian recipes, small chunks of meat in a reddish-brown gravy. The fact that I tried it served over rice most likely added to this mental association. At a proper medieval dinner though, this would have most likely been served in a bowl over bread or toast. -- posted by Wylder

Ember Day Tarts

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 01:10:23 -0400

This is such a simple dish and so suited to the modern palate that just about everybody and their cousin has their own version. -- posted by Wylder

Fylettes in Galyntyne (Pork and Sauce)

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 01:16:01 -0400

This recipe was served by Kristen Sullivan at the Marche of the Unicorn's Newcomer's Feast in the fall of 2006. The use of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves as spicing for meat dishes was very common in medieval England, making this dish a perfect introduction to medieval European cuisine. -- posted by Wylder

Victorian Spring Posy Cake for Easter or Mother's Day

Sun, 22 Mar 2009 03:11:13 -0400

One of my recent cake inventions - a standard Victoria Sandwich Sponge with a few delicious additions! Fresh oranges and lemons, lemon curd, crystallised violets and mascarpone cheese make this basic sponge cake moist and special enough for the Easter Sunday tea-time table, or for Mum on Mother's Day! I used lemon curd for the icing, but orange curd would also work if you wanted a mellow flavour. I have a recipe for crystallised violets on Zaar, Recipe #216296, and if you don't have any fresh violets, use any sugar paste flowers or cake decorations that work for you - the object is to make a Posy of flowers! This makes a big cake with one layer, you can cut the cakes again and make a three layer gateau if you wish. This cake disappeared quite quickly, but if you have any left, it keeps EXTREMELY well in a tin for up to one week. The sponge cakes can be frozen before icing, cutting back on time if you are going to be busy for the special event. -- posted by French Tart

Breadmaker Hot Cross Buns

Sun, 12 Apr 2009 02:06:05 -0400

The wonderful thing about breadmakers is they cut all the tedious bits out of making an enriched dough, but all homemade hot cross buns are in a different league from anything you can buy. -- posted by Lostfairy

Sacré Buf! Sirloin Steak Topped With Mustard Herb Butter

Fri, 15 May 2009 10:56:04 -0400

A delicious and lucky discovery, I found this recipe in a Maille (pronounced "My" ) French Mustard leaflet.This recipe has been slightly adapted to suit our own personal tastes.It's very easy to prepare and is a winning French classic; wonderful when served with chunky chips (fries) and grilled tomatoes for a hearty Bistro style main course. Sacré Bleu!! -- posted by French Tart

Raspberry Syllabub (Drink)

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 12:07:37 -0400

From "The Pheasant Inn" in Cumberland. A traditional English dessert. They are usually made a few hours in advance to let the liquid and cream seperate. -- posted by kellychris

Lemon Verbena Syllabub for Lazy Summer Days or Dinner Parties!

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:30:22 -0400

Just the job when it is hot and humid, a simple and elegant dessert to finish off a special summer dinner party outside and under the stars! This is also a wonderful accompaniment for fresh summer berries or gently poached fruits. Try to make sure that you give these little syllabubs plenty of time to chill and set before serving. Serve with a squirt of Chantilly cream and some fresh Lemon Verbena leaves as a garnish. Lemon Verbena is a very lemony herb, think of fizzy lemon sherbet (as in Barratts Sherbet Dipper) and you will have an idea of the taste! -- posted by French Tart

Rose Cottage Fragrant Old English Rose Liqueur Syrup

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:46:43 -0400

This is my mum's recipe for rose syrup - and the name of their cottage in England! Try to use old English shrub roses, as they are highly fragranced and impart a delicate flavour to the syrup. The correct word for this recipe would be a Shrub or a Ratafia, as it is fortified with brandy - however, Ratafia would also have fruit or almond kernels added; it would have been offered as a refreshing "pick-me-up" to gentile ladies - with water or lemonade added of course! This recipe is well over 100 years old and a bottle of this would make an unusual and delighttful gift. -- posted by French Tart

Lemon Verbena Ice Cream from a French Country Herb Garden

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:53:00 -0400

I grow many old fashioned and unusual herbs in my garden in France, and although many people know Lemon Balm, Lemon Verbena is not so well known, which is such a shame! For me the flavour is MUCH more lemony and intense than Lemon Balm - think lemon sherbet, and you have a good idea of what to expect! The plant has graceful pointed leaves that are a gorgeous pale green in colour. Just scrunching a leaf in your hand to release the aromas can help fatigue or a headache. This is an ice cream I came up with to refresh and revive even the most jaded of palates refreshing and with an amazing lemony zing! You should be able to source Lemon Verbena at any good Farmer's Markets - alternatively, make friends with someone who grows it! (Prep time includes the time to infuse the leaves to extract the flavour.) -- posted by French Tart

Chilled Summer Lettuce, Lovage and Garden Pea Soup

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 02:25:38 -0400

A delightful and refreshing chilled soup for summer - this savoury soup takes its flavour from freshly chopped lovage leaves, which impart a savoury, lemony and celery-like taste. I like to serve this pale green soup in clear glass bowls for maximum impact, with a few chopped leaves sprinkled on top and a swirl of cream. This soup makes an elegant starter for any summer event or a light luncheon dish. Do not be tempted to add more lovage then is suggested, it is a very strong flavoured herb and can be overpowering if used with a heavy hand! -- posted by French Tart

Old-Fashioned English Summer Berry Jelly and Ice Cream!

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 16:17:56 -0400

Little wibbly-wobbly ruby red jellies with mixed summer berries, so cooling and great with ice cream. There is nothing I love more than taking a basket to the end of my garden to pick an assortment of ripe summer berries when they are in season! The sense of satisfaction at picking your own fruit is wonderful. Although I have called these little jellies English summer berry jellies, I DO make these in France of course - it's just that the berries remind me of my grandparent's gardens and picking the fruit when I was little...plus, the combination of berries is the same as a traditional English Summer Pudding recipe! I make these in little vintage metal moulds, they look so pretty served this way; you can of course make this recipe in a large mould, but DO allow extra time for the jelly to set. -- posted by French Tart

British Fig Rolls - Almost Better Than Shop Bought!

Sun, 12 Jul 2009 09:47:22 -0400

This is a recipe I found many years ago for authentic Fig Rolls, and they are almost better than the shop bought variety, much though I love the commercial ones! Try to roll out the pastry as thinly as possible, other than that, this recipe is a breeze to make. Fig rolls are a much-loved "biscuit" from my childhood days and I make them whenever I can as I now live in France, as we cannot get them here. Fig rolls are great for a mid-morning snack with a cuppa as well as being ideal for school lunchboxes, picnics, gifts and afternoon tea. (I have posted this recipe on Zaar especially for Lalaloula, who asked about a fig roll recipe in the British forum.) -- posted by French Tart

Chicken Salad in a Creamy Chive and Lovage Dressing

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 15:55:21 -0400

I love my lovage! Moreover, this is a delectable way to use up cold cooked chicken with this wonderful old-fashioned herb! This salad would be perfect for a light luncheon dish or an elegant dinner party starter. I have also made this to take on picnics with great success. Lovage is one of my favourite herbs and I have been growing it for the last 20 years in my herb garden. It is only now regaining its popularity - however, it was a much-used herb in medieval times, and later on, it was often used as a salt substitute. The leaves have a slightly salty, savoury celery-like flavour and are very pungent, so they mused be used carefully in cooking. Anything more than 2 tablespoons of chopped lovage in this dressing will totally overpower all the other flavours - I know this to my cost! An obscure little-known fact! Culinary celery salt and celery seeds are nearly always made with ground lovage seeds, as lovage seeds have a more distinct celery flavour than celery seeds! I am a mine of useful or useless information! -- posted by French Tart

Fresh Fig and Ginger Chutney from the Auberge

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 17:06:24 -0400

When my two fig trees are in season, I struggle to cope with the amount of fruit they produce..........a rather nice problem I have to admit! We eat figs fresh with nearly every meal; I make jams, conserves and also bottle the fruit in liquor. However, this is one of my favourite ways of using some of my fresh figs, and this chutney is just amazing when served with the cheese board or with cold meats and charcuterie. Ginger has a natural affinity with fresh figs and gives this chutney an extra layer of flavour. This chutney does not keep as long as some other fruit chutneys, but that never seems to be a problem, as we eat most of it quite quickly and I always have numerous requests from family and friends for a pot or two when I make it! This intense chutney really captures the fruits rich sweetness perfectly and is capable of turning a simple toasted sandwich into something rather special.......it's great with all types of cheese. -- posted by French Tart

Lemon Curd

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 01:26:46 -0400

On scones of course, but also "eat-it-with-a-spoon" good. Try it as a cake filling, or topping fruit quickbreads or English muffins. -- posted by Corvina

Bergamot Fresh Fruit Salad With Scented Pelargonium Leaves

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 10:58:43 -0400

This fruit salad is amazing, and all the more for the addition of bergamot leaves and flowers! The fragrant leaves of this versatile herb delicately flavour the syrup whilst the gorgeous shaggy red flowers and scented pelargonium leaves decorate it for the final finishing flourish! If you are a lover of Earl Gray tea, you will instantly recognise the flavour of this herb, as it is used to flavour this famous and popular tea blend. NOTE: Bergamot, often referred to as bee balm, became distinguished as "Oswego Tea" when a Quaker botanist, John Bartram, sampled a tea made from the leaves. A Bergamot lemon is a small yellow sour citrus fruit similar to an orange, mostly cultivated in Calabria in Italy. The rind contains an essential oil used in perfumery (the basis for eau-de-cologne), confectionary and Earl Grey tea. The zest is also used in pâtisserie. NB: Prep time includes cooling time. -- posted by French Tart

Mixed Herb Salad With Borage : La Salade De Plusieurs Herbes

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 10:58:51 -0400

A delightful old French salad recipe, which uses fresh aromatic herbs with fresh lettuce leaves and a simple dressing. Serve this with poached salmon or cold chicken for an elegant dinner party dish. Adapted from a 16th century French translation of a book originally written in Latin in 1474. NB: Borage is an excellent culinary herb and can be used in a variety of ways. Borage is far better used fresh, as the flavour and colour deteriorate when dried and some essential oils lost. Traditional recipes recommend borage leaves and seeds, together with fennel in salads for increasing the milk supply in nursing mothers. The leaves and flowers are still added for flavour and garnish to wine cups, Pimms and gin-based summer cocktails and the flowers are still candied for confectionary as cake and ice cream decorations. -- posted by French Tart

Lemon Lavender Posset

Sun, 19 Jul 2009 15:52:12 -0400

Wonderful dinner party dessert -- so easy! You may also wish to add fresh seasonal fruits such as raspberries or strawberries, dusted with confectioner's sugar. Preparation time includes a four hour chill time. Adapted from an 'A la Carte with Lee White' recipe. -- posted by BecR

Fresh Peaches in Sauternes Soak With Angelica and Lavender

Sun, 19 Jul 2009 20:32:34 -0400

This is a wonderful, light summery dessert, which never fails to please my guests, as well as my family and friends! Fresh peaches are soaked in sweet Sauternes with angelica leaves and lavender flowers tucked amongst them. Angelica is an interesting, aromatic tasting herb, and although I normally only use the stems to candy or crystallise (Recipe #248003) I have discovered that the leaves also make a great accompaniment when used with fresh fruit. Try to serve this fresh fruit salad in a large clear glass bowl for maximum impact; it just looks so pretty with the light shining through the fruit, juices and herbs! I find that the only thing that is needed to serve this is a good dollop of crème fraiche. I have also made this with apricots and melon for a slight change. I like to use a combination of white and yellow peaches for this recipe but please use local and fresh peaches regional to your area. Prep time includes the minimum "soaking" time. I have not tried this with tinned peaches, but suspect that they may be too "soft" to hold their shape for prolonged soaking. -- posted by French Tart

Little Wild Sorrel and Herb Tarts With Melted Goat's Cheese

Sun, 26 Jul 2009 10:12:12 -0400

A delicious and different way to use sorrel leaves - sorrel is usually used in soup and omelette recipes. These little herb tarts are so summery and make wonderful picnic food, as well as interesting appetisers. I have wild, woodland and cultivated sorrel in my garden, but prefer the tangy almost lemon and vinegar taste of wild sorrel leaves in these little tarts. Serve these warm or at room temperature with lightly dressed salad leaves and a glass of crisp, chilled Chablis or Chardonnay. Notes on using sorrel leaves: Sorrel is one of those ingredients that feature all too rarely in our kitchens, yet its bite and acidity make it one of summer's top temptations. When you're cooking the larger, mature leaves, strip out and discard the stalks, just as you would with spinach, before cooking. Avoid aluminium or cast-iron pans, though, because the oxalic acid in the leaves reacts with the metal and affects the flavour. -- posted by French Tart

River Cottage Sorrel Pesto With Goat's Cheese

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 02:10:48 -0400

Tangy, freshly made pesto with sorrel leaves and goat's cheese. A WONDERFUL recipe from River Cottage and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, and one that I use regularly! This pesto is stunning when added to gnocchi and all types of pasta, as well as grilled chicken and fish. So simple and full of summer flavours! It also makes a great gift for a dinner party host/ess, or for a foodie friend; put the pesto in an attractive jar with a recipe suggestion label and a wooden spoon. -- posted by French Tart

Peachy Fresh Fruit Salad With a Flourish of Angelica and Mint!

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 11:00:08 -0400

This was the first thing I was taught to make at secondary school in Domestic Science! We were all taught to make basic lemon syrup for the fruit salad, a great classic and a standard recipe that I have never forgotten! However, here I have deviated a little and have taken advantage of some excellent local peach syrup instead of the homemade lemon syrup I usually make; and I have garnished the salad with mint and angelica from my herb garden. I have suggested certain fruits to use, but the beauty of a fresh fruit salad is that you can always rustle one up with whatever you have locally and to hand. Serve with fresh pouring cream for a real treat! -- posted by French Tart

Lavender, Lemon and Honey Tea from Wolds Way Lavender Farm

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 02:14:35 -0400

A wonderful recipe that I discovered on a recipe card from Wold's Way Lavender Farm in North Yorkshire, England! This magical lavender farm is just down the road from my parent's house and is high on my "must visit" list when I go home to England. I have found that this tea is a miracle worker for headaches, head colds and colds in general........the soothing honey helps sore throats whilst the lemon contains essential vitamin C, and the lavender provides a calming and refreshing element to this herbal tea or tisane. Although this is mainly served hot, I have made this during the summer months as an iced tea, as it's perfect for hot, sultry days. -- posted by French Tart

Lavender and Strawberry Fruit Cup from Wolds Way Lavender Farm

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 02:14:53 -0400

A boozy lavender fruit cup made with vermouth, herbs and fresh strawberries! How good is that! This is another gem of a recipe that I discovered on a recipe card from Wolds Way Lavender Farm in North Yorkshire, England which is just 10 minutes from my parent's cottage. The delicately flavoured drink is the perfect way to unwind after a long, hard day........It is almost better than Pimms, and, as Pimms is my favourite summertime tipple, that is really saying something! Sit back, relax, sip and enjoy! -- posted by French Tart

Old-Fashioned Baked Egg Custard Tart With Nutmeg

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 03:12:41 -0400

A taste of my childhood, my grandmother made the most amazing Egg Custard, as we used to call it! In the absence of lard, or if you are vegetarian, use a white vegetable cooking fat, but NOT margarine, as the white fat gives the pastry its crispness. Serve this tart at room temperature with cream or just "naked"! You can buy these delectable little tarts in most British bakeries, but they always taste better when they have been made at home. This old-fashioned custard tart needs a thick, wobbly filling, so I've used a round tin with sloping sides and a rim, which gives a good depth. The nutmeg is very important to the flavour, so always use it freshly grated and grate it on to a piece of foil, which helps when you have to sprinkle it on quickly when it goes into the oven. -- posted by French Tart

Honey-Roasted Pear Salad With Thyme and Verjus Dressing

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 13:33:56 -0400

An elegant and sophisticated salad that makes good use of verjus (verjuice) in the dressing. I use a local blue cheese, such as Roquefort in this salad; however, please do use a local blue cheese of your choice - any creamy or robust blue cheese will marry well with the pears and tart dressing. Verjuice, or verjus, is the juice of unripe grapes. This staple of French provincial cooking, a key ingredient in Dijon mustard, has the tartness of lemon juice and the acidity of vinegar, but the harshness of neither. Its delicate flavour is ideal for everything from stocks to sweet syrups - as long as you know what you're doing. Verjus was also a common ingredient used in English cooking throughout the Middle Ages. I try to make a batch of verjus every year with the green grapes from my non-dessert grape vine - as I love cooking with it. This recipe came from an old copy of Bon Appetit magazine from 2005. Prep time includes the time it takes the pears to cool. -- posted by French Tart

Maids of Honour - Traditional English Custard Cheesecake Tarts

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 16:18:35 -0400

These old fashioned English tea tarts are somewhere between cheesecake and custard, and are similar to those served at the Maids of Honour tea rooms in Richmond, Surrey, England (the official recipe is a closely guarded secret) since the early 18th century. I prefer a shortcrust pastry shell, but you may use a puff pastry if you prefer---9 ounces of packaged puff pastry should be sufficient for the job. Recipe is slightly adapted from one found in a Nigella Lawson cookbook. -- posted by BecR

Grandmother's Strawberry Jam

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 13:02:59 -0400

Old fashioned strawberry goodness! This delicious jam with its rich, fruity Strawberry flavor is lovely served on warm buttered scones with Devon or Cornish cream for a traditional English Strawberry Cream Tea. An updated old family recipe. Enjoy! -- posted by BecR

Traditional Jersey Bean Crock: the Original Baked Beans

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 14:25:13 -0400

Jersey is the largest of the Channel Islands.The island is usually the hottest place in the British Isles during the summer months, with the temperature averaging a few degrees higher than the mainland. As the island is neither part of the EU or the UK, it is a popular 'duty-free' destination. Jersey has a rich and varied history, with several wars and invasion attempts over many centuries.The island was part of the Duchy of Normandy in the 10th century and became part of the Anglo-Norman realm in 1066. The island's history is reflected in the French road names and typical Jersey surnames, as well as in the many historical French artefacts and monuments that can be found around the island. This is a traditional recipe, and no self-respecting Jersey woman would be without her earthenware bean crock, or casserole, in which to cook one of the most filling and tasty of all the island's recipes. So popular was this bean dish that every farmhouse had its bundles of drying French beans hanging from the rafters waiting to be shelled in the long winter evenings. Town folk used to hang their beans in the garage. For some Islanders this was a traditional supper dish; others had it for Sunday breakfast. Mr. Heinz is supposed to have taken the idea for his famous baked beans from the bean crock of Jersey emigrants in Canada. Prep time includes the overnight soaking for the beans. (This adapted recipe is originally from the Jersey Tourism Website.) -- posted by French Tart

Potted Shrimps for a Traditional Yorkshire Shrimp Tea

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 02:56:56 -0400

Delicate pink shrimps nestled in spiced butter that are packed into earthenware pots, and sealed with golden clarified butter - quintessential British fare that is tinged with timeless elegance of an old-fashioned Seaside teatime treat! Although Morecambe Bay in the North West of England is most famous for its potted shrimps, I remember these amazing Yorkshire Shrimp Teas from my childhood; you would see signs outside country cottages and farmhouses along the Yorkshire coastline near Scarborough and Whitby. Potted shrimps are traditionally served with hot toast and lashings of hot (preferably Yorkshire) tea! Serve these potted shrimp as appetisers, or for a real Yorkshire Shrimp Tea - with hot buttered toast, fresh lemon wedges and a pot of tea. This recipe is based on a 19th century recipe found in an old country cookbook, which I bought in an antique bookshop in England. (Prep time includes chilling time.) -- posted by French Tart

Singin' Hinnies - Northumbrian Tea-Time Griddle Cakes/Scones

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 03:04:32 -0400

Served warm and oozing with butter, these fabulous fruity griddlecakes make a great treat for breakfast or afternoon tea. I remember my grandmother making these when I was little; she lived in a very old stone cottage in Northumberland, and made these on a huge cast iron black griddle, or girdle as they were also called! We used to eat them hot from the griddle, with butter in front of a roaring wood fire during the winter months. Singin' hinnies are a type of fried fruit scone or griddle cake, so called as they 'sing' and sizzle whilst cooking. 'Hinny' is a Northern term for endearment used especially to children - my grandmother used to call me "hinny". Similar to singin' hinnies are Northumbrian griddle cakes, also known as Gosforth gridies. If you are making them for a childrens party or at Christmas, put coins that have been briefly boiled, then wrapped in greaseproof paper, in the middle of some of the singin hinnies. -- posted by French Tart

Fresh Figs With Stilton and Walnuts in a Honey Drizzle Dressing

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 10:59:58 -0400

A new fig recipe for this year! Similar to my Recipe #250866 but with blue cheese and a honey drizzle dressing. I like to tuck a few fig leaves amongst the salad for colour........but please do wipe them first! Serve these figs with crusty bread, some mixed herb and salad leaves.......and a glass of chilled wine. Quantities for figs depend on the size; allow one or two large figs per person or, between three and six for medium to small figs.This makes a fabulous dinner party starter, or a light salad for lunch..........I sometimes serve this for the cheese course too, for something a little different. -- posted by French Tart

Inspirational Goat's Cheese on Garlic Ciabatta Toast

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 17:18:49 -0400

Toasted goat's cheese on toast that has been spread with garlic paste.......and then served on mixed salad leaves - brilliant! I am hooked on Nigel Slater's new programme, "Simple Suppers", where he prepares and cooks food just the way I like it...........fresh, seasonal, unpretentious, flexible and hearty. This is one of Nigel's "Inspirational" recipes that was shown on his first programme. In the absence of ciabatta bread, I would be inclined to use any rustic bread........with lots of body! (Recipe from NIgel Slater's Simple Suppers and the Digin site.) -- posted by French Tart

Terrific and Tasty Tidy Friday Pan Fry!

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 17:41:32 -0400

Another BRILLIANT idea from Nigel Slater and his new programme, "Simple Suppers". I love the idea of this, and can see all sorts of possibilities for what to "raid" from the fridge at the end of the week. I like his suggestions for bacon and bangers, and especially when served with crisp, green cabbage. An excellent, hearty supper dish and one that would be great for the children too - the greens being "hidden" amongst all the spuds, bacon and sausages etc! (By Nigel Slater. From Nigel Slater's Simple Suppers.) -- posted by French Tart

London's Borough Market Chocolate Brownies

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 10:50:00 -0400

Borough market brownie-maker Matt Jones shared his infamous dense chocolate brownie recipe on BBC Good Food, and I am posting it here for safe-keeping! For anyone who has tasted one of these brownies, the experience is sublime.......deep, intense and chewy brownies that are packed full of lucious chocolate! Borough Market is London's oldest food market, its origins date back from the time when the Romans built the original London Bridge. And, although it has moved from where it was originally established, Borough Market has occupied its current site for the last 250 years. You can find both food and non-food items in this market, but locals regularly go here to get fresh produce from various parts of the British Isles. One of the most popular foodie treats in the market, is the ostrich burger, as well as these delicious brownies. Makes 12 LARGE squidgy brownies. -- posted by French Tart

Queen Victoria's Brown Windsor Soup

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 13:19:28 -0400

The very soup reputed to have built the British Empire and one that was oh-so-fashionable in Victorian and Edwardian times! This soup was served daily, until recently, in the dining cars of British Rail. This classic hearty soup was also very popular at the castle (Windsor) in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Queen Victoria was particularly fond of it, and it regularly appeared on state banquet menus. However, this recipe has not had very good press over recent years - drab tinned brands and indifferent, greasy soups served in some lower end restaurants have given it a bad culinary name! I hope to redress that with this authentic recipe from Windsor in Berkshire, England - home to the Royal Windsor Castle. A rich and hearty soup, this makes a meal in itself when served with crusty bread, scones or bread rolls. -- posted by French Tart

Spiced Autumn Walnut and Golden Syrup Tart-Pie

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 00:58:40 -0400

This sticky and lightly spiced walnut tart is absolutely perfect for any autumn gathering, especially Thanksgiving, Halloween or Bonfire Night. It combines walnuts together with warm spices and a hint of orange, which are all bound together in a buttery syrup filling.......if you cannot get hold of golden syrup, you can use honey instead. Serve this pie with a dollop of cream, crème fraiche or yoghurt. -- posted by French Tart

Tangy, Zesty Oil and Vinegar Potato Salad

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 15:48:18 -0400

The best potato salad you've never had. For when your craving that certain ZING from vinegar...I don't like regular potato salad. I don't like sweet relish, eggs, or miracle whip in my potato salad. The sharp onion with the vinegar balances the soft potato texture. Inexpensive and college budget approved. For more of a bite, add two to three teaspoons of whole grain mustard along with the olive oil. Try this!! Yumm....From Bon Appetit, 2009. **Note: To use smaller potatoes, cook time is about 5 minutes less. -- posted by College Girl