Recipezaar: English,Holiday/Event recipes

Red Cabbage, Walnut and Apricot Salad

Sun, 30 Nov 2008 00:29:26 -0500

This sounded like a really interesting salad and I usually enjoy red cabbage salads. I found this in the Christmas 2008 copy of BBC Good Food Magazine and I wanted to put it here for safe keeping. -- posted by Sarah_Jayne

Pear & Mustard Rarebit

Sun, 30 Nov 2008 00:36:54 -0500

This sounds like it could be interestingly yummy. I picked up a copy of the Christmas 2008 BBC Good Food Magazine to read on a flight back home to the USA to visit my family on Thanksgiving and I am leaving the issue with my mother so I am putting the recipes I would like to try on zaar for safe keeping and sharing. -- posted by Sarah_Jayne

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

Cranberry & Sausage Stuffing Logs (Oamc)

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 00:18:49 -0500

I made two of these gorgeous rolled stuffing logs, one for Thanksgiving and froze the second to serve with our Christmas meal. The entire recipe makes 2 stuffing logs and there will also be a third portion left to stuff a turkey with, or to bake in a casserole. If you only want to make 1 roll, simply divide most of the ingredients by 3, except for the apple, egg, and bacon - use 1 small egg, 1 small apple, and 12 pieces of bacon, cooking time will remain the same. A bit tricky to roll up, but the final product is worth all your hard work.You can substitute fresh red currants for the cranberries or use dried cranberries or dried cherries if you prefer. Also, if you only have dried herbs, that is fine.. just add dreid versions to taste, perhaps a few spoonfuls of each. This gets sliced and looks so lovely with the center of berries. Adapted from a version I found in Good Food magazine. -- posted by HeatherFeather

Microwave Sticky Orange and Marsala Pudding (Xmas Pudding)

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 00:46:40 -0500

This is a delicious alternative to a traditional christmas pudding and is so quick and easy you won't belive how good it tastes. I got it off the internet last year and make it whenever I have a large number of guests around. I usually serve it with vanilla icecream or whipped cream (infused with some vanilla seeds) and people are always asking for the recipe! Try it out, you won't regret it! -- posted by angis

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

Day After Christmas Cranberry & Nut Breakfast

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 22:07:14 -0500

This would be yummy for any day but it is Christmas inspired because I made it on Boxing Day morning out of leftovers I had floating around from Christmas day. Plus, after eating so much the day before it was kind of nice to start the next day with a healthy breakfast. If you use Splenda instead of sugar this is pretty diabetic friendly too. -- posted by Sarah_Jayne

Raspberry Coconut Trifle

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 22:41:38 -0500

This recipe was supposed to be a cake, but after slicing my finger trying to cut the cake into three layers, I said to heck with this! The cake was turned into a more traditional trifle. We had it for dessert at Christmas dinner and it was a huge hit! Just one word of advice: Start this dessert the day before as it takes quite a while for the custard to thicken. I am including the chilling time in the cooking time. -- posted by Irmgard

Beetroot & Pomegranate Soup (Low Fat)

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 23:22:15 -0500

I saw this in a vegetarian cooking magazine and the photo looked so stunning I had to add it. It will be a hard sell to get my husband to try anything with beets but I love them so I will give them a shot the next time I am cooking for myself. You could probably use pomegranate juice to save the actual juicing process but I am not sure how much juice you get from a pomegranate to give an equivalent measure. -- posted by Sarah_Jayne

Chickpea Flatcake With Honey Roasted Vegetables

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 00:16:53 -0500

This looks interesting and different. I am guessing you could fairly easily mix up the sort of veg you are roasting for the dish. I found it in the 2008 copy of 'Vegetarian Christmas' special put out by the BBC Good Food Magazine. -- posted by Sarah_Jayne

Orange, Carrot & Mint Soup

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 01:29:47 -0500

Vegetarian soups are always welcome in my cookbook. This one sounded different so I wanted to add it here for safe keeping. I originally found it in a British cookery magazine called "Vegetarian Christmas 2008" -- posted by Sarah_Jayne

Cheddar and Chive Yorkshire Puddings

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 02:08:49 -0500

Traditional with a flair to serve with roast beef! -- posted by KathyP53

Horseradish Cream for Standing Rib Roast

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 19:24:18 -0500

Far beyond the norm! -- posted by KathyP53

The Ultimate Superfood Sandwich

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 19:17:53 -0500

Certain Superfoods are especially good for the summer as they contain nutrients that can help nurture your skin and protect it from sun damage. This delicious sandwich is a real powerhouse of nutrition and tastes fabulous. It takes minutes to make perfect for busy people who want a lighter bite that still delivers real nutritional punch. -- posted by English_Rose

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

Individual Savory Horseradish Bread Puddings

Sun, 18 Jan 2009 02:34:29 -0500

Wonderful with beef tenderloin! -- posted by KathyP53

Raspberry and Marsala Trifle

Sun, 25 Jan 2009 10:44:46 -0500

The combination of the custard, marsala and raspberries is wonderful. Could use your favorite butter cake or pound cake recipe. Bon Appetit, December 1995. -- posted by swissms

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

Triple-Shot Eggnog

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 23:27:59 -0500

Feel free to use pasteurized eggs if you are concerned about the risk of salmonella (which is very low in the United States) -- posted by KathyP53

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

Sexy Strawberry Surprise

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 17:54:44 -0500

Succulent strawberries laced with brandy and topped with vanilla flavoured whipped cream -- posted by English_Rose

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

Freshly Shucked Oysters and Sauce Mignonette With a Twist!

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 12:21:51 -0500

A classic with a twist - I like to add a splash or three of Tabasco sauce to my shallot and red wine vinegar Mignonette sauce, for that extra zap! This is easy to make and is even better if you let the oysters marinate in the sauce for ten to fifteen minutes before serving them. I also like my oysters au natural with just a squeeze of lemon, but variety is the spice of life, and this makes an exciting change! The quantities listed below will be sufficient for between 12 large and 24 small oysters. -- posted by French Tart

Balsamic-Baked Onions and Potatoes (Jamie Oliver)

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 17:40:47 -0500

From JAMIE AT HOME by Jamie Oliver. A must-try for all who love great spuds. Pair with roast pork, lamb or chicken. Jamie has this cooking on the top shelf of his oven while he does his roast pork underneath. I made this dish to accompany grilled lamb chops, so I baked it in the middle of the oven. -- posted by evelyn/athens

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

Easiest Ever Chocolate Fudge Cake

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:53:27 -0400

It is the magazine I found this recipe in calling this 'the easiest', not me. That said, it does look pretty easy. I found it in a booklet produced by the British cooking magazine Olive. So, the measurements are in grams rather than ounces but don't let that scare you and remember you can use the conversion chart here to instantly convert the recipe. -- posted by Sarah_Jayne

Beef and Zucchini Bites

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:53:45 -0400

I am putting this here for when the abundance of zucchini arrive as they do most years. I found this recipe in a booklet called 'Mince Magic' put out by the British beef board. -- posted by Sarah_Jayne

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

Lent Bread Slices

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 01:29:46 -0400

This is a rather odd dish. It seems to be a sort of bread pudding to be served during lent (no eggs or dairy products). -- 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

Beef Wellington so Tender!

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 12:10:16 -0400

Tender beef tenderloin encased in veggies, prosciutto and puff pastry. This is a 1/2 of a beef tenderloin. Be sure to trim all fat from it. -- posted by ~Rita~

Gordon Ramsay's Salmon With Baked Herbs & Caramelized Lemons

Sun, 05 Apr 2009 02:19:11 -0400

I know a lot of people are not very fond of Gordon Ramsay's temper and his fiery language but I'm sure you will agree that the guy can really cook and totally knows what he's doing. Foul language, nasty temper and all he is actually one of my favourite chefs on TV and on paper because his recipes are very straight forward, can be expensive but not always and the best part is they always give fantastic results. Anyway, I've made his Salmon w/ Baked Herbs & Caramelized Lemons oodles of times now and even played with it by using salmon steaks and other types of fish. When I play with the quantities I normally just adjust the ingredients to what I think would be suitable and always with great results. Feel free to experiment with yours, but for now I will post the recipe just the way he has it on page 240 of his cookbook, Sunday Lunch and Other Recipes from the F Word. It's fresh, aromatic and really tasty, this has been one of my favourite ways to cook fish. -- posted by Pinaygourmet #345142

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

Cherry Bakewell Cake

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 01:34:54 -0400

One of my culinary discoveries since moving to the UK is the Cherry Bakewell Tart. They are just so yummy and feel very British to eat. So, when I saw this cake version in BBC Good Food magazine I simply had to add it for sometime when I am allowed to cheat on my diet and there are other people to share it so that I don't eat the whole thing myself! -- posted by Sarah_Jayne

Tiny Toads in the Hole

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 01:35:08 -0400

Toad in the hole is one of those British dishes with a name that make most outsiders giggle. Really though it is just sausages baked into a batter - yummy. These are a tiny bite sized version much like pigs in a blanket. -- posted by Sarah_Jayne

Chip Shop Curry Sauce

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 10:27:19 -0400

In the Northern part of England it is very common to go to a fish and chips shop and order chips with curry sauce. The curry sauce you get in chip shops is different from the sort you would get on an actual curry at an Indian takeaway. It tends to be a bit sweeter and considerably more mild in spicy heat. People eat it either poured all over their chips (ie steak fries) of in a pot on the side where they dip their chips. I found this version on a blog and it sounds very close to the type I enjoy. -- posted by Sarah_Jayne

Chive and Parsley Mashed Potatoes

Sun, 10 May 2009 19:50:12 -0400

These green mashed potatoes are so cool looking! This would be great for St. Patrick's day, Thanksgiving or any weeknight you want to kick your regular mashed potatoes up a notch! Adapted from Gourmet magazine. -- posted by Sharon123

Brioche Bread and Butter Pudding

Tue, 12 May 2009 00:50:45 -0400

This is a delicious version of an old dessert, and is very simple to make. -- posted by feileacan

Carrot Cake - the Best in the World!

Wed, 13 May 2009 22:05:34 -0400

This recipe falls somewhere between carrot and passion cake. It is called The Best in the World, because that is what everyone says before asking for the recipe. However, it is very simple to make! -- 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

'stir and Make a Wish' Christmas Pudding

Thu, 21 May 2009 10:21:52 -0400

A fruity christmas pudding that is not too rich or heavy. I have been making this recipe year after year. Traditionally the pudding should be made on 'Stir up sunday' which is the suday before Advent ( sometime at the end of November). Everyone in the house should stir the pudding and make a wish. This recipe is enough to make 2 puddings of 2 liters, of course you can half the recipe but I love giving one away as a gift. Start 3-4 days before because the fruits need soaking to soften. -- posted by Wild Thyme Flour

Soda Bread With Dark Chocolate and Candied Orange Peel

Sun, 31 May 2009 20:14:23 -0400

Bon Appetit, April 2005. Wonderful combination of orange and dark chocolate. Great for a tea or brunch. -- posted by swissms

Cornish Hens With Cornbread Stuffing

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 14:00:53 -0400

Shake up tradition a little and serve these for Thanksgiving or anytime! Everyone loves to have their own little bird stuffed with moist, delicious cornbread stuffing. This is an easy dinner to make for a party! You can make your own cornbread or use store-bought. Adapted from Barefoot Contessa At Home cookbook. -- posted by Sharon123

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

Auberge French Lavender Marinade for Beef, Lamb or Chicken

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:48:01 -0400

A wonderful marinade for beef, lamb or chicken; this marinade is suffused with the flavours and smells of summer, minus the sound of the bees buzzing! Allow the meats to marinate all day or overnight for a more pronounced flavour as well as being extra moist and juicy. Culinary lavender essence can be bought at specialist cook's shops online or at your local lavender farms. If you cannot get hold of culinary lavender essence, use a handful of lavender flowers, lightly crushed. -- 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 Lemon Verbena Lemonade Syrup

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 12:32:42 -0400

Pull up a hammock, select a good book and make a jug of this cooling lemonade to refresh you as you gently sway and wile away the long, hot hours! A simple zingy lemonade syrup that is added to water to dilute and is compulsory for hot, humid days! Lemon Verbena is one of my favourite herbs and is a welcome addition to my walled herb garden here in France. The syrup is also amazing if poured over ice creams and summer berries for a tangy citrus flavour. Add an attractive label and a sprig of lemon verbena leaves for a thoughtful summer gift. -- 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

Fish and Chips Bits

Sun, 12 Jul 2009 10:03:25 -0400

A traditional pub treat as an appetizer! Sprinkle with malt vinegar and salt for an authentic touch. When deep frying, the most important thing to monitor is the oil temperature. If you don't have a fryer with a thermostat, go to your local kitchen shop and purchase a good quality deep fry thermometer. From an old newspaper clipping. -- posted by Molly53

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

Easy Mango Chutney Salmon

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 09:19:21 -0400

I was looking for ways to use up that part used open bottle of mango chutney that always appears to be lurking in the back of my fridge. I threw this together to see what would happen and we actually rather enjoyed it. -- posted by Sarah_Jayne

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

Gourmet Cheddar Hot Dogs With Cider Braised Leeks and Apples

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 01:44:36 -0400

Leeks and apples simmered in cider add a hint of sweetness-- nice contrast to the sharp melted cheddar. If you can find oblong pretzel rolls at your market, they'll make an ideal accompaniment to these English-style hot dogs. -- posted by College Girl

Top Tomato Soup

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 10:48:15 -0400

Late summer, when luscious vine-ripened tomatoes are available, is the perfect time to make this soup. The recipe was found on the Toronto Star website and adapted from Sam Stern's Cooking Up a Storm: The Teen Survival Cookbook. Stern is a British kitchen prodigy. The soup may be eaten warm or cold. -- posted by Dreamer in Ontario

Hot Crossed Buns

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 13:46:28 -0400

This recipe has been in my family at least a Hundred years. I remember every Easter as a little Girl my Gram having these ready when we woke up. -- posted by GingerlyJ

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

Double Peppermint Bark

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 01:08:23 -0400

Based on a recipe from the McCormick spice company. I havent tried this yet. -- posted by mersaydees

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

Yorkshire Pudding With Onions

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:08:38 -0400

This is my spin on the traditional english dish -- posted by GingerlyJ

Crunchy Veggie Deviled Eggs

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 15:18:24 -0400

These deviled eggs are akin to egg salad. You get a nice crunch and freshness from the celery and onion. The pepper adds a delightful splash of color, very festive for Thanksgiving or Christmas. I adapted this recipes from The Deviled Egg Gourmet. -- posted by Sharon123

A Little Bit Spicy Deviled Eggs!

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:12:13 -0400

These deviled eggs are just a little bit spicy! Add your favorite hot sauce(chipotle is really good) and enjoy! Adapted from The Deviled Egg Gourmet. -- posted by Sharon123

Hannah Obee's Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:53:55 -0500

This cake is unreal! It is so scrumptious and I only allowed myself a tiny taste! Delizzzzous! Thi cake is one of the final three in the 20th birthday cake competition at BBC Good Food. This dark, rich, moist delectable cake is one of the desserts we are serving for our Thanksgiving Dinner. All family members are invited and we fill up the DR, the patio off the DR, the two lobbies and the hallways! Good Food magazine, November 2009 issue.:) The recipe calls for golden syrup and since the recipe is English, I think it called for Lyle's Golden Syrup. I know it can be found in NYC & other large cities - we found it in a specialty store here in South Miami. A good substitute - Steen's Cane Syrup - good luck. That is what came up when I googled it ;) -- posted by Manami

Christmas Plum Pudding

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:02:04 -0500

I grew up eating plum pudding at Christmas. We used to scour three states to buy the canned stuff before it got sold out. Then I was given this recipe by a friend, and commercial plum pudding has not crossed my lips again. It is well worth the time it takes to gather the ingredients and make the pudding. -- posted by cookcathy

Popovers

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:38:50 -0500

Based on a recipe from one of my very first cookbooks: The Encyclopedia of Creative Cooking. These are very nice popovers, and go well with prime rib of beef, in which case I substitute the beef fat renderings for the shortening. -- posted by mersaydees