Recipezaar: Scottish,Dinner Party recipes

Hendrick's Gin and Tonic

Mon, 05 Feb 2007 15:35:50 -0500

See my Hendricks Martini for details. -- posted by ~Rita~

Hendrick's Sour

Mon, 05 Feb 2007 15:36:06 -0500

Made with Hendrick's gin -- posted by ~Rita~

Rumbledethumps - Celtic Potato, Cabbage & Cheese Gratin

Fri, 16 Feb 2007 22:37:34 -0500

A wonderful combination of mashed potatoes, Savoy cabbage, cheese & chives - baked OR grilled to give a crispy cheesy topping. This is one of my very favourite family recipes - my Mum used to make it, as did her Mum before her! This is a Scottish recipe, similar to Irish Colcannon, which is also a potato & cabbage dish. You can serve this as a vegetable accompaniment or as a light luncheon dish with crusty bread & extra vegetables. P.S. My daughter calls this baked Bubble and Squeak & always asks for it when she comes home from university! -- posted by French Tart

Traditional English Cheddar Cauliflower Cheese - Gratin

Sun, 11 Mar 2007 16:26:26 -0400

When I was growing up, we NEVER called this dish a "Gratin" - it was always Cauliflower cheese and was invariably our main meal and NOT an accompaniment! My mother had to be very clever and thrifty in what she bought & cooked, and in the absence of meat on the table, she used cheese as the protein! This dish has become very "fashionable" again is served in many guises, Cauliflower Noisette, Cauliflower Gratin, Cheese and Cauliflower Bake...but to me, it will always be just Cauliflower Cheese, and it remains one of my favourite meals! I do serve it as an accompaniment now, but you have to be very careful what you serve it with, as it is very cheesy and rich. Alternatively, just have it as a main meal and serve some homemade bread and butter with it and maybe some salad or steamed spring greens! By the way, if you make a large batch, it freezes very well - either in small plastic containers or in zip lock bags; defrost and microwave to re-heat OR reheat over a Bain Marie. Try wherever possible to use English Mustard AND a good mature Cheddar cheese in the sauce, it DOES make a huge difference to the taste, and other types of mustards & cheeses do not work as well. -- posted by French Tart

Pub Style Peppered Stilton Steaks With Charred Onions and Chips

Tue, 13 Mar 2007 16:55:23 -0400

Thick rump or Sirloin steaks, encrusted with cracked black peppercorns, pan-fried to collect all the juices, served with a Stilton cheese & toasted walnut topping, with charred fried onions on the side............phew........AND chips (French fries)!!! Interested?! This is a dish I have eaten countless times in numerous local Pubs in the North of England - it has to be my favourite way to eat steak! You don't need anything else, apart from a mixed side salad maybe AND a pint of "real" ale to wash it down with! I have recreated this dish at home - and once you have peeled and sliced you onions and sorted out your Stilton cheese and chips, it's a doddle! I often use "oven" chips, or my Dad's Recipe #193370 which are great with this meal. Try to choose locally produced beef for your steak, and preferably organic. Just for interest, Sirloin steak was named, so the legend says, by King Henry VIII, who having enjoyed it so much, "knighted" the loin of beef on the spot, so loin of beef became SIRloin!! -- posted by French Tart

English Cream of Sorrel Herb Soup

Wed, 21 Mar 2007 22:55:20 -0400

Sorrel is a very old herb that has been used throughout the centuries in England, as well as the rest of Britain and Europe - especially France. I have called this an English soup, as it does not contain any egg yolks, as French Sorrel soup often does. It can be served chilled or hot, and is also delicious made with a combination of sorrel, watercress and other green herbs. You must try to use the small round tipped sorrel leaves, as the large pointed leaves are very bitter! Sorrel is a purgative and an excellent detoxification herb, so you can enjoy your soup as well as cleansing yourself!! Garnish with croutons and finely chopped sorrel leaves. -- posted by French Tart

Cranachan

Mon, 23 Apr 2007 20:41:59 -0400

A Scottish desert traditionally made with cream, oats and whiskey. My recipe is alcohol free, but alternatively you can substitute the vanilla for 2 tablespoons of whiskey. This recipe makes quite a large portion, but a great way to make it serve more people is to layer with vanilla ice cream in the glass. -- posted by Shoanib

Steak Balmoral

Sun, 13 May 2007 18:21:11 -0400

This recipe comes from the Witchery restaurant in Edinburgh. A good one for impressing your guests. -- posted by English_Rose

Victorian Scotch Woodcock - Savoury Scrambled Eggs

Sat, 19 May 2007 22:04:18 -0400

A very "upper-crust" savoury scrambled eggs recipe which dates back to Victorian times; this dish would have been served at the END of a large five or six course meal! Nowadays, it is more likely - one assumes - that it will be served at breakfast, brunch or as a light snack! This uses Gentleman's Relish, I have the "secret" recipe posted on Zaar! Recipe #228778 -- posted by French Tart

Marinated Scottish Salmon Doused in Scotch Whisky

Thu, 24 May 2007 16:49:33 -0400

Delectable and divine.........fresh Scottish Salmon doused in Scotch Whisky!! Makes a very elegant starter or a light supper/lunch dish. Serve with thin slices of good brown bread and freshly churned butter........reward yourself with another wee dram! -- posted by French Tart

18th Century Scottish Whim Wham - Brandy and Sherry Trifle

Sun, 27 May 2007 23:47:54 -0400

This is a very simple recipe for a delicious and swiftly made trifle. It originates from the 18th century, when the word whim-wham was used to describe something light and fanciful. It is quite boozy, and you might want to take a break before driving!! You can add fresh fruit to this if you like - it is not traditional, but I like to add raspberries when they are in season. -- posted by French Tart

English North Country Strawberries and Cream Courting Cake

Tue, 12 Jun 2007 18:32:14 -0400

A divine and decadent three tiered strawberries and cream gateau, enough to melt any man's heart! There is another recipe for this on Zaar, but this is the recipe that I know and love; this recipe has family connections; my mother has an old black and white photograph, taken in 1920, of my grandparents seated by my grandmother's courting Cake! The tradition is that the cake was baked by the young ladies for their betrothed, one would assume as some sort of culinary test maybe? The tradition was particularly prevalent in the north of England, hence the name of my cake. You can use bruised or very ripe strawberries for use in the filling, I buy mine at the end of the season when there is a glut - reserving the best ones for the top of the cake! The cake is also known as a Betrothal Cake in some parts of Great Britain. -- posted by French Tart

Spiced Elizabethan Pork and Fruit Casserole

Mon, 02 Jul 2007 17:58:19 -0400

The use of spices and fruit in savoury recipes during the Elizabethan era was very popular, especially with the upper classes and the Royal court. This is based on a genuine Elizabethan recipe, which I have adapted for modern day cooking! I have included potatoes - which made their first appearance in Great Britain during this period, and were a novelty! Serve with steamed greens and assorted root vegetables. N.B. Oven temperatures were not given in my original posting of this recipe, but they have been added now! Also, the finely chopped herbs added at the end, gives the casserole a very "fresh" herby taste and a lovely colour - they MUST be very finely chopped however, and must NOT include the stalks, just the leaves - with the exception of the parsley. -- posted by French Tart

English Cottage Garden Gooseberry and Lavender Crumble

Sun, 15 Jul 2007 22:52:51 -0400

A traditional English cottage garden gooseberry crumble, but with lavender added; lavender goes so well with gooseberries, which are one of my favourite fruits. My grandparents used to specialise in numerous varieties of goosberries - and, I remember playing amongst the bushes when I used to go and stay with them, in their very old cottage in Northumberland, England! Happy memories - especially my grandmother's gooseberry crumble! This is based on my grandmother's crumble recipe - but, with my addition of the lavender. -- posted by French Tart

Rosy Rosé Berries: Strawberries and Raspberries in Wine

Sun, 22 Jul 2007 15:41:03 -0400

A favourite "grown-up" summery and romantic dessert in our home! Summer berries - raspberries and strawberries, steeped in Rosé wine with a little sugar. Great by themselves or with whipped cream or crème fraiche. So easy to make - and they work better if made up to 48 hours beforehand. These berries are stunning if used in trifles or fruit fools! Please adjust the sugar to your personal taste and also according to the sweetness of the fruit. -- posted by French Tart

Cock-A-Leekie Risotto With Bacon

Mon, 06 Aug 2007 11:56:44 -0400

This recipe puts a hearty Scottish accent on Italy's risotto with tasty pieces of chicken, leeks, and bacon. -- posted by English_Rose

Steak Balmoral and Whisky Sauce from the Witchery by the Castle

Tue, 07 Aug 2007 22:59:57 -0400

This recipe hails from one of my favourite restaurants, "The Witchery - By The Castle" in Edinburgh, Scotland, which is towards the top up the hill near the gates of Edinburgh Castle. The restaurant is located in a very old and atmospheric building where the "Old Hell Fire Club" used to hold their meetings. The Witchery serves this delicious steak there, called Steak Balmoral, which has the most divine whisky sauce I have ever tasted! Serve this steak with chips (French fries), boiled, jacket or steamed new potatoes and seasonal greens or a tossed salad. The sauce is uniquely famous for its stunning simplicity - no need for onions or garlic, the cream, mustard, mushrooms and whisky tick all the taste boxes! More information from the restaurant's web-site: Located in an historic sixteenth-century building at the gates of Edinburgh Castle, James Thomson's Witchery is the most atmospheric and spectacular dining destination in the city. A unique location,stunning interiors and superlative food, wine and service create memorable and magical dining experiences for locals, visitors and celebrities alike. Ewan MacGregor, Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta Jones, Jack Nicholson and Clarissa Dickson Wright have all succumbed to its charms, with Andrew Lloyd Webber calling it the prettiest restaurant ever! Originally built for an Edinburgh merchant in 1595, this historic building on the Royal Mile now includes the jewel-like Witchery diningroom, the spectacular Secret Garden and a collection of totally indulgent and opulent suites on the floors above and in an adjacent historic building. (This recipe is the authentic recipe from the restaurant's web-site.) -- posted by French Tart

Old Fashioned Lovage and Potato Soup

Mon, 17 Sep 2007 20:21:08 -0400

A family favourite in our household.....a creamy and easy soup which needs nothing more than good crusty rolls or home-baked bread to serve with it. This travels well in a Thermos flask making it an ideal and comforting soup to take on a picnic. This recipe is based on a Historical 16th/17th Century recipe, no milk was added then - it was made with stock only. -- posted by French Tart

English Toffee Apple Bread and Butter Pudding

Mon, 24 Sep 2007 23:03:09 -0400

Just in time for autumn and Halloween - this delicious pudding is a real winner, with the subtle taste of toffee and apples all cooked together in a bread and butter pudding! I found this recipe in a cookery leaflet promoting English apples, and it is now one of our favourite puddings for the cooler months. I have given a variety of breads/yeast cakes to use; although I have made this with all of the choices on offer, my favourite still remains the brioche - I am sure croissants would work very well too. -- posted by French Tart

Rustic Flower Pot Bread Loaves or Bread Rolls

Thu, 04 Oct 2007 01:17:31 -0400

These Flower Pot bread loaves or bread rolls will certainly be a point of conversation and no doubt bring gasps of pleasure and admiration when you serve them! Moreover, they are so easy to make especially if you start your dough off in a bread machine. Bread was originally baked in terracotta or clay pots, so these are not so different from old fashioned bread made many years ago. You must make sure your flower pots are seasoned before you bake in them, but once they are seasoned they are ready to be used over and over again. I have added a list of suggested extras, and I always like to sprinkle mixed seeds on top of these - they almost look like seeds that have been sown in the flower pots! I have listed ingredients for basic white bread here, but you can add wholewheat, granary or rye flour if you would like a variation. I am sorry, but I have to say it, these flower pot loaves or rolls should turn out "Blooming Marvellous"! Had to be said! Have fun. NB: Strong white flour is the British culinary term for bread flour, flour that is used in breadmaking with a high gluten content. All purpose flour is NOT strong bread flour and will NOT give the desired results in this bread recipe. It NEVER crossed my mind that anyone would think that old flower pots are used in this recipe!! LOL! PLEASE use new plant pots and season them before baking the bread in them, as stated in the recipe..........I hope that helps those of you who may have been "lost in translation"!) -- posted by French Tart

7-Cup Steamed Christmas Pudding With Butterscotch Sauce

Sat, 06 Oct 2007 19:11:48 -0400

An easy and VERY light Christmas pudding - for those that dislike the heavy dark puddings. However, this still has all the traditional Christmas pudding ingredients, but it is served with a delicious butterscotch sauce for a decadent twist! Moreover, all the family can now have their pudding and eat it, as this appeals to all ages! Steaming a pudding is SO easy - you just pop it on to gently steam, whilst you prepare the rest of the festive meal. You only have to remember to keep topping up the water from time to time. Serve warm with the hot butterscotch sauce and maybe a jug of single cream or brandy custard to help it along! Merry Christmas! N.B. This recipe was taken from the Christmas 2003 edition of BBC Good Food magazine, I have amended it slightly to personal taste. I have made this pudding every year since I first saw the recipe, and I have given this recipe out countless times! -- posted by French Tart

Old Fashioned Chicken Pot Pie in a Pan

Thu, 25 Oct 2007 13:54:01 -0400

From start-to-finish, this is a "feel good" dinner--it screams "Home Cookin'" and "I love you!"...in sweet tones, of course! Use your bread machine for the dough (like I do) or make from scratch on your own (more brownie points!). Not a "fast" or "simple" recipe...but WELL-WORTH the effort (wait'll you hear the sighs of delight---you'll know what I mean). COOKING time does NOT include bread-machine cycle. -- posted by Debber

Celebration Spiced Baked Ham With Orange and Marmalade Glaze

Tue, 30 Oct 2007 01:46:27 -0400

A delectable sticky glazed ham cooked in spiced cider and with a tangy marmalade glaze! This is one of my most requested recipes from family and friends - I have been cooking and preparing this ham for about 20 years now; it is wonderful for celebrations and festive gatherings! You can increase the quantities and weight with ease, although I have given the minimum ham weight here. The "boil before baking" method gives you a moist and flavourful ham with a sticky glaze, and just a hint of spices. A couple of "musts", do use good quality high fruit ratio marmalade, and if the ham is smoked or heavily brined - do soak the ham joint overnight or for up to 24 hours, in cold water - it disperses the excess salt. This ham makes a wonderful centrepiece for any special meal; however, it is also a wonderful and very economical way of providing two more types of snacks or meals - ham sandwiches, plus the ham stock makes a delicious base for all types of soups, especially ham and pea soup! I have stated oranges for the decorative finish - but clementines or tangerines would work very well too. -- posted by French Tart

Old England Traditional Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding

Wed, 07 Nov 2007 01:09:14 -0500

Possibly the most famous of all English dishes, traditionally served for the "big" family meal of the week, Sunday Lunch. First a little about the Yorkshire Pudding. Different areas of England cook, serve and eat this in totally different ways. No single way is 'right' nor 'wrong'. It depends upon your family tradition and where you live. Originally the Yorkshire Pudding was eaten on its own as a first course with thick gravy. This was to fill your stomach with the cheap Yorkshire Pudding so that you would not eat so much of the more expensive meat in the next course. Now Yorkshire Puddings tend to be lighter and crispier and they are served and eaten with the meat course, with lashings of beef gravy with them! How to serve the roast beef: Some families carve the meat in the kitchen and bring it to the table on pre-warmed plates. Others carve the meat at the table so every one can see, that is how my Dad used to do it! Roast Beef is best served with roast potatoes, and a selection of freshly steamed seasonal vegetables, such as carrots, cabbage and broccoli. Have a gravy boat brimming full of gravy for diners to help themselves to. For special occasions consider making the gravy with a glass or two of wine! I have posted this recipe for 8 to 10 people; I always feel it's worth cooking more than you need, as you can have cold roast beef sandwiches for tea and of course make cottage pie the next day! The Yorkshire pudding listed below is already posted on Zaar - Recipe #203349, but I have added it here again, so you can cook them with the beef, following only one recipe for ease. My Mum's Yorkshire pudding recipe is simple, as long as all the ratio of measurements are equal, you can increase or decrease the amount of puddings you make! -- posted by French Tart

Traditional Gravy for Roast Beef, Lamb, Pork or Duck

Wed, 07 Nov 2007 01:11:27 -0500

A basic and yet delicious traditional gravy to serve with all your roast dinners! This gravy is also wonderful if served with sausages for "Bangers and Mash", as well as Yorkshire Puddings. It also makes an ideal base for Shepherd's pie or Cottage pie, and all manner of stews and casseroles. There are variations to the basic gravy listed at the end of the recipe, depending on what type of roast meat you are serving. This recipe has been taken from Delia Smith's How to Cook Book one. -- posted by French Tart

Perfect Roasties - Roast Potatoes for English Sunday Lunch

Wed, 07 Nov 2007 18:54:50 -0500

There can be nothing more comforting then a pile of golden, crispy, crunchy roast potatoes! Roasties, as we call them in Great Britain, are traditionally served with Sunday Lunch - but, DON'T wait until Sunday to serve them, they are great with just about everything! I remember going to our local pub in North Yorkshire, and if the visiting darts team was playing, half way through the evening the landlady would come around with trays upon trays of crunchy, piping hot roasties - sprinkled with salt--unbelievably sublime! The secret to making perfect roast potatoes is simple; par-boil them first and give them a really good shake in the pan before placing them into SIZZLING HOT fat and turning them over. Serve them piping hot and crisp from the oven with lashings of gravy and sea salt, and they are a meal in themselves. Ingredient quantities are not by weight, but by potatoes per head - and a VERY generous amount as well! Please adjust the quantities to your suit own requirements. -- posted by French Tart

Traditional English Sherry Trifle - Strictly for the Grown Ups!

Thu, 08 Nov 2007 01:17:15 -0500

Treat your family and friends to this superb traditional boozy trifle full of sherry, raspberries and cream, especially popular at Christmas time. (Forget about counting calories until the New Year!) A trifle is a typically British dessert made with thick custard, fruit, sponge cake, fruit juice or alcohol, and whipped cream. Interestingly it was always made so as to use up, stale, left over sponge cake, which is then softened with either fruit juices or a sweet alcohol like sherry. It really is best not to use fresh sponge as it just goes very soggy and mushy. In the UK you can buy "sponge fingers" or "sponge trifle cakes" which are perfect, or if you have an Italian shop nearby, try ready made tiramisu sponge. It's really easy to make and the ingredients are usually arranged in layers with the fruit and sponge on the bottom, and the custard and cream on top. The best trifles contain a small amount of alcohol such as port, or, most commonly, sweet sherry or madeira wine. If you can't drink alcohol, you can use fruit juice instead, the liquid is necessary to moisten the cake. Trifle containing sherry is sometimes called 'sherry trifle' or referred to as being 'High Church'!! We often had a sherry trifle for dessert or tea on a Sunday afternoon, it was a delicious end to a lazy and relaxing day! -- posted by French Tart

Scottish Whisky Tablet (Fudge)

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 17:02:46 -0500

I use this when I have foreign guests. This is a traditional Scottish Sweet with a adult twist. I get lots of compliments as it just melts in the mouth. -- posted by C-J from the UK

Little Jack Horner's Christmas Chicken, Fruit and Stuffing Pie!

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 17:22:51 -0500

This beautiful layered pie combines all my favourite Christmas flavours - chestnuts, cranberries, dried apricots, chicken, pork sausagemeat and bacon - all encased in a crispy and crumbly pastry case; it is a firm favourite in our house EVERY year! Not only that, but this pie is actually better if made ahead of time - it can be eaten warm or cold and is excellent for buffets and light suppers. It also freezes very well, once cooked. The filling is very similar to an English Pork Pie, a fruity stuffing mixture layered with chicken fillets. Although it is essentially a pie for the winter festive season - I see no reason why it cannot be made all year around - I often make it to take on picnics in the spring and summer. You can adjust the filling to suit your own tastes and requirements, but I think that the chicken, bacon, apricots, cranberries and chestnuts are essential for the delicious and unique flavour this pie has! N.B. Please try to use high meat content sausages or sausagemeat - it makes all the difference to the taste, plus cheaper sausages have lots of fat and bread added! Where the name came from - an old Nursery Rhyme: "Little Jack Horner sat in a corner, eating his Christmas Pie - he put in his thumb and pulled out a plumb, and said what a good boy am I"!!! I JUST had to name it after him, even though there are NO plumbs in this pie! (The original recipe was in a 2005 BBC Good Food magazine; this is my much amended version of that original recipe.) -- posted by French Tart

Dazzling Winter Slaw - Red Cabbage, Apple and Pecan Salad

Thu, 29 Nov 2007 16:48:41 -0500

A dazzling coleslaw salad for your winter festive table. Red cabbage is mixed with apples, carrots, pecans and onions which is then dressed with a tangy mustard and nut vinaigrette - fabulous! Plus, the colours as well as the taste, is amazing! This goes so well with cold cuts, pies, tarts, quiches, buffets as well as being a wonderful supper or light lunch accompaniment. I do all the shredding and grating in my food processor, it is so easy and cuts down on time. You can of course grate and shred by hand - it will just take a little longer! I sometimes add semi-dried cranberries and grated beetroot - these are listed as optional exras. The pie shown in the photograph, is my Recipe #268117, which I often serve with this winter slaw salad - they make a wonderful combination. (This recipe was posted to our personal preferences - with a light dressing and not a creamy or heavy dressing; if you like your salads with more dressing - please adjust the dressing quantities up!) -- posted by French Tart

Flaming Garlic and Whisky Gambas! (King Prawns - Giant Shrimp)

Sat, 01 Dec 2007 18:54:16 -0500

French, Spanish and Scottish fusion cooking at its best! Take large gambas (king prawns or giant shrimp) and sauté them in garlic butter.....then add a generous slug of Scotch whisky - set them alight - flambé them for a minute or so...........serve them hot with crusty bread to mop up all the sinful garlic butter and whisky juices - maybe with a salad of mixed baby leaves! Sublime...........divine decadence on a platter! I like these - can you tell??! Allow 2 to 3 per person for a starter and about 4 to 5 per person for a main course, when served with accompaniments. Tactile eating - so provide plenty of napkins or finger bowls! -- posted by French Tart

A Partridge in a Chocolate Truffle Tree!

Thu, 06 Dec 2007 19:58:52 -0500

This is such a wonderful way of serving your chocolate truffles at Christmas or New Year - or indeed any special winter festival! I do make my own truffles for this, but you can buy ready-made truffles for ease and speed of course! I love to see my family and friend's faces when I bring the coffee and "chocolates" out with this Truffle Tree! Allow yourself plenty of time to assemble this, the plant pot and the tree "trunk" can be prepared beforehand; once the chocolate truffle tree has been assembled, it will be fine for up to 2 days before you need to serve it, stored in a very cool and dry place - NOT a fridge however. I have made this with a well-known gold wrapped chocolate nut truffle before, as well as the white chocolate and coconut version by the same company! The truffles shown in my photos are local hand-made truffles, but any "firm" high chocolate truffle is fine. I have my own truffle recipe posted on zaar, Recipe #271012 which also works very well with this tree! Have fun - and just watch your guest's faces when you bring this out!! NB: You can also make this with marshmallows and other suitable sweets or candy, especially for children. -- posted by French Tart

Gilded Saffron and Butter Basted Roast Turkey With Herb Garland

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 15:16:46 -0500

Gilding is a 15th Century novelty - originally gold leaf was applied to decorate meat and poultry that was served at Christmas, as well as other feasts and festivals! This is a wonderful way of serving your traditional roast turkey - and with a saffron and butter basted gilded effect, NOT using gold leaf I hasten to add - but still achieving a deep golden gilded finish. If you cannot get any saffron, you could use just a little turmeric instead - but be careful as it has a very pervasive flavour! Bring this 15th century art back to your modern dining table this Christmas - and enjoy a wonderful moist butter basted roast turkey at the same time. Please try to source an organic, free-range or home-reared turkey such as a Bronze or Heritage turkey; you will be doing your bit to support a traditional and more humanitarian way of rearing these lovely birds, as well as gaining a much better taste and flavour! NB: If you can get hold of edible gold dusting powder, you can sprinkle some of that on to the turkey before serving, for an extra sparkle! Joyeuses Fetes Merry Christmas! -- posted by French Tart

Celebration Hot Rum Buttered Cider - Cider Hot Toddy

Tue, 18 Dec 2007 02:09:24 -0500

This spiced and hot rum buttered cider toddy is a wonderful drink throughout the cold winter months, and is perfect during the Festive Holiday Season as well. I use Scrumpy or local French Breton cloudy cider for this, which I believe is called Hard Cider in North America. Serve the hot rum buttered cider toddy in attractive warmed glasses and float a cinnamon stick on the top for that extra touch! -- posted by French Tart

Pigs in Blankets-Bacon and Sausage Rolls for Christmas Trimmings

Wed, 19 Dec 2007 02:54:25 -0500

These quirkily named "Pigs in Blankets" are the traditional British accompaniment to the Christmas roast turkey dinner - we call them "Trimmings". You will often see pubs, restaurants and hotels advertising Christmas Dinner with ALL the trimmings - these will be part of those trimmings that they mention! We can eat these with NO roast turkey - they are what everyone grabs whilst no one else is looking in the Post Christmas Dinner kitchen! (I have known my husband to secrete a couple in his pocket when he was nearly caught!!) They are VERY easy to prepare and need very little oven time, either cook them before or add them to the oven for the last 25 to 30 minutes of the turkey or roast potato cooking time. These also make great appetisers, skewer them with a cocktail stick and serve them with cranberry or sweet chilli sauce as a dip. -- posted by French Tart

Lemon Infused Buttered Brussels Sprouts W/ Crisp Peppered Bacon

Thu, 20 Dec 2007 00:24:45 -0500

A wonderful way to cook and serve Brussels sprouts, the much-maligned vegetable of the Christmas table! Just steam or boil them until slightly tender and then toss them in lemon infused butter and top with peppered crispy bacon - that should cure most "sprout haters"!!! The lemon cuts through the butter and bacon to give a clean and fresh flavour, which is great if these are being served with lots of rich food. Get ahead by juicing and zesting your lemon; you can also pre-cook your sprouts and then plunge them into boiling water for a minute or two before serving. The lemon butter can be heated up gently in the microwave. -- posted by French Tart

Christmas Clementine, Carrot and Coriander Soup W/ Citrus Twists

Thu, 20 Dec 2007 01:30:36 -0500

This is not just for Christmas, but I always associate clementines with Christmas, and the addition of spices also lends a festive feel to this delightful soup. It is so easy to make and makes an elegant and colourful soup starter for any formal or special dinner. The smell is redolent of Christmas pasts for me - plus, the vibrant colours just "leap" out of the bowls! Serve it with an assortment of interesting little dinner rolls and maybe some citrus flavoured butter. I have suggested 4 to 6 clementines - they vary so much in size - we like this with a real citrus tang to it, but please adjust the quantities of the clementines to suit your personal tastes. One final tip - do try to use the crushed coriander seeds rather then the ground coriander, they add a complex and interesting flavour to the soup, as well as a wonderful fragrance! -- posted by French Tart

Celery Soup

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 01:40:43 -0500

From 'Maw Broon's Cookbook'. The Broon's were an old Scottish comic strip that was about as popular as The Simpson's are today. The description of this recipe says that 'this is simple, but rubbing it through the sieve is hard work...get your man to do this!' -- posted by CulinaryQueen

Cranberry and Almond Bakewell Tart: English Classic With a Twist

Sun, 13 Jan 2008 01:35:33 -0500

This is a twist on the classic English Bakewell Tart or to be more authentic, a Bakewell Pudding. I added cranberries to the basic almond sponge mixture and my family loved it! ( All because my Mum had excess cranberries after the Festive Season! ) I made my own shortcrust pastry for this recipe, but any good quality ready-made pastry will be fine if you want to cut back on prepping and cooking time. This is delicious served warm or at room temperature, maybe with a dollop of cream, creme fraiche or even better, custard! I plan to make this with blackberries and raspberries when they are season, or indeed any other soft fruit. -- posted by French Tart

The Broon's Clapshot for Burn's Night

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 21:51:25 -0500

Slightly different from other recipes posted here, this is one from Glasgow and goes well wi the Haggis! NOTE floury potatoes are needed here -- posted by lindseylcw

Cullen Skink - Scottish Smoked Haddock and Potato Soup

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 18:52:25 -0500

The name of this rich, tasty soup comes from the fishing village of Cullen, in Morayshire in Northern Scotland. "Skink" is a soup made originally from a shin of beef - in fact the word "skink" means soup or stew - but in this case, the main ingredient is smoked haddock with potatoes and onions. Finnan haddock is often called Finnan haddie, and is the traditional ingredient in the famous Edwardian breakfast dish of Kedgeree. Cullen Skink is sometimes called Smoked Haddock Chowder when served in bistros and restaurants. We love to serve this delicious soup as an elegant and comforting starter for our Burns Night Tribute Supper; this is also a wonderful soup to be served as a main course - with crusty bread and butter. -- posted by French Tart

Typsy Laird - Scottish Drambuie Trifle for a Burns Night Supper

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 18:54:24 -0500

This Scottish trifle is traditionally served at Burns Night Suppers or at New Year. Typsy Laird got its name because the alcoholic ingredients would make the diners slightly drunk!! Though in reality there is little alcohol in the trifle and the typsy or tipsy effect is due to the "wee drams" of whisky drunk during toasts or throughout the evenings entertainment! Some Scottish trifle recipes will substitute the toasted almonds with crushed amaretti biscuits, and the bananas are also a less traditional but optional ingredient. -- posted by French Tart

Burns Night Baked Highland Haggis With Whisky Cumberland Sauce

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 18:31:44 -0500

First you must catch your haggis! These little creatures are very shy and EXTREMELY wiley - so you must proceed with caution and patience! I find the best place to find them is behind or under Highland heather bushes, although I have been known to catch a couple lurking near thistles! Having caught your haggis - you must treat it with GREAT respect and cook it well for the Burns Night Tribute Supper! That is why my haggis is baked instead of boiled - and it is served with Lindseylcw's special Cumberland sauce with lashings of good Scotch whisky! Other traditional accompaniments are: clapshot, bashed neeps and tatties, rumbledethumps, buttered leeks, skirlie mash, champit tatties and buttered cabbage. Don't forget the "correct" format for a Burns Night Supper: Chairperson's opening address. A few welcoming words start the evening and the meal commences with the Selkirk Grace. The company are asked to stand to receive the haggis. A piper then leads the chef, carrying the haggis to the top table, while the guests accompany them with a slow handclap. The chairman or invited guest then recites Burns' famous poem To A Haggis, with great enthusiasm. When he reaches the line 'an cut you up wi' ready slight', he cuts open the haggis with a sharp knife. It's customary for the company to applaud the speaker then stand and toast the haggis with a glass of whisky. The Immortal Memory: One of the central features of the evening; an invited guest is asked to give a short speech on Burns. There are many different types of Immortal Memory speeches, from light-hearted to literary, but the aim is the same - to outline the greatness and relevance of the poet today. Toast To The Lasses: The main speech is followed by a more light-hearted address to the women in the audience. Originally this was a thank you to the ladies for preparing the food and a time to toast the 'lasses' in Burns' life. The tone should be witty, but never offensive, and should always end on a concilliatory note. Response: The turn of the lasses to detail men's foibles. Again, should be humorous but not insulting. Poem and Songs: Once the speeches are complete the evening continues with songs and poems. These should be a good variety to fully show the different moods of Burns muse. Favourites for recitations are Tam O' Shanter, Address to the Unco Guid, To A Mouse and Holy Willie's Prayer. The evening will culminate with the company standing, linking hands and singing Auld Lang Syne to conclude the programme. -- posted by French Tart

Skirlie Mash - Scottish Mashed Potatoes With Onions and Oats

Mon, 28 Jan 2008 02:22:21 -0500

A beautiful, creamy and traditional accompaniment for your Burns Night haggis, Hogmanay or indeed any beef or game dishes; this mashed potato is delicious and very nutritious. It contains onions as well as oats, for a mashed potato recipe which is delightfully different! The word "skirlie" is the name of the oatmeal and onion compound that is added to the mashed potatoes, as you have to "skirl" it around the pan! Skirlie is often used as a base for stuffing, and is made and eaten in Northern England, as well as in Scotland. This recipe was taken from BBC Good Food, January 2006. -- posted by French Tart

Pan Fried Cod With Sauce Vierge

Sun, 03 Feb 2008 15:51:51 -0500

A healthy fish dish with a versatile sauce -- posted by Chef #747544

Jane Austen's Regency Toasted Cheese - Welsh or Scotch Rarebit

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 22:55:17 -0500

Lots of you who know me very well on Recipezaar will know of my love and research into Historical recipes, traditions, culture and food; this Toasted Cheese recipe is the first in a series of Regency recipes that I will be posting! I always like to make any recipe that I post at least twice, and this one is a real cracker in my humble opinion! Jane Austen is known to have said.... "We were greatly surprised by Edward Bridge's company...It is impossible to do justice to the hospitatlity of his attentions towards me; he made a point of ordering toasted cheese for supper, entirely on my account." --Jane Austen-- 27 August, 1805. This is a classic regency dish - often served AFTER a heavy meal and before the dessert! It was more often than not called Toasted Cheese, but is also known as Scotch or Welsh Rarebit. The original recipe was written like this: "Toasted Cheese - Grate the cheese and add it to one egg, a teaspoonful of mustard, and a little butter. Send it up on toast, or in paper trays". I have amended the orginal recipe for today's quantities, ingredients and cooking methods!! NB: In 1747, a cookery book gave a recipe for "Scots Rabbit" or Rare Bit as bread toasted on both sides and a slice of cheese, the same size as the bread, also toasted on both sides and laid on the buttered bread. The same book had "Welsh Rabbit" made in the same way but with mustard rubbed on the cheese. "English Rabbit" on the other hand had a glass of red wine poured over the toast before the cheese was added. Take your pick! -- posted by French Tart

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

Alexandra Soup

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 02:37:09 -0500

This is the recipe that my mother likes to call her Christmas Soup. The recipe comes from the "Old Dough School" in Glasgow (Glasgow West of Scotland College of Domestic Science) which I am proud to have gratuated from. In my day it was called Queens College, Glasgow. It has now become part of Glasgow Caledonia University. The last reprint of the book that I have is from 1967. The book was mainly for students who were training in Home Economics or to be Cooks or Chefs. Hope you like it? -- posted by C-J from the UK

Mussels Mariniere

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 17:06:29 -0500

Recipe from an old magazine article and is from the Cramond Inn, near Edinburgh, Scotland, an ancient inn built in 1670. -- posted by Celticevergreen

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

Nana Hassard's Original Scalloped Potatoes

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 19:18:52 -0400

This is a recipe in my Fannie Farmer cookbook that I picked up at a yardsale for a BUCK! It's older than dirt, and is all taped together but the recipe's are AWSOME! This is also word for word what my Nana's recipe card is for Scalloped Potatoes. Want it Fat Free? Seach 'Zaar' for "Nana Hassard's Fat Free Scalloped Potatoes". I only do the Full Fat Version for the Holidays.... -- posted by BratGyrl

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

Traditional Scottish Recipes - Broken Biscuit Cake

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 14:26:24 -0400

Another recipe I found on rampantscotland.com which is resourceful, easy, rich and makes a huge amount. Hope you enjoy this. This is the description of this on their web site. In the old days, when biscuits were sold loose, grocers sold mixed, broken biscuits at a lower price. This recipe was a good way of using them up and as a cake which requires no cooking, it can be easily made by the kids as well as experienced cooks. (Cooking time is set up time) -- posted by bshemyshua

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

Scottish Egg

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 03:24:52 -0400

I found this recipe in a book "Blue band" in Holland.first i was hesitated that it might turn out not good but i was wrong,this recipe (egg) is really easy and affordable.you just have to coat the egg with ground meat (any meat) and fry or bake it.(but i chose to fry,i find it fun when turning them to their other sides in a pan.this is very nice to eat,juicy and chewy.. -- posted by Maria Flor Monteroyo Cuyos

Summer Fruits Terrine or Bodacious Berries in Wine Jelly!

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 18:08:24 -0400

This is one of my favourite recipes, when the soft fruit season arrives, I try to make this at least once......and it is STUNNING if served as the finale to a dinner party. This is an unashamed copy of a recipe by Delia Smith, with very few modifications of my own, as she gives such great ideas and suggestions on how to make this elegant and LOW fat dessert. The directions may seem long-winded, but they are really just useful tips on how to weight the terrine down overnight. Serve this in slices with a red berry coulis and crème fraîche or cream. Fruit juice can be used if this is being served to children or to anyone who does not drink alcohol - I suggest a red fruit juice. -- posted by French Tart

Smoked Haddock and Mashed Potato Soup

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 11:40:59 -0400

From the Women's Institute Book of Soup that I borrowed from our local library. Not recommended for freezing -- posted by lindseylcw

Baked Salmon With Tarragon, Bacon and Onions

Sun, 07 Sep 2008 23:27:27 -0400

Baking salmon in kitchen foil seals in the juices and flavour of the fish and the tarragon. The quantities below are sufficient for four people. -- posted by English_Rose

Ham and Haddie Pie

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 00:02:50 -0400

Bacon and smoked haddock (haddies) go very well together in this tasty pie. The quantities are sufficient for four people. -- posted by English_Rose

Shrimp in Whisky Cream

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 00:03:19 -0400

This is a tasty starter for any meal. Combining whisky and cream makes for a very rich sauce. Quantities are sufficient for six people. -- posted by English_Rose

Cauliflower Cheese and Whisky - Old Scottish Recipe

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 01:12:12 -0400

Cheese was often made in individual farmhouses and was combined with cauliflowers grown either in the fields or in the kitchen garden. Adding a few ounces of whisky adds an extra flavour to this popular dish. -- posted by English_Rose

Chocolate, Orange and Whisky Mousse

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 01:21:35 -0400

Here's a delicious sweet to finish off any meal - the chocolate, orange and whisky make a deadly combination! The quantities given below are sufficient for six servings. Prep time includes chilling. -- posted by English_Rose

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

Mustard Salmon Crust With Roasted Peppers and Beans

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 15:56:59 -0400

The Salmon keeps wonderfully moist baked on top of the roasted vegetables and underneath an unusual crust of oats, parmesan and mustard. Cod can be used in place of the Salmon. -- posted by English_Rose

Smoked Haddock, Corn and Potato Soup

Sun, 11 Jan 2009 12:32:28 -0500

This is based on a Scottish recipe known as Cullen Skink, which is a very traditional recipe and which my grandmother used to make when I was a little girl. It was also a huge favourite with my son and still is. It has a sweet flavour with a salty edge from the smoked fish. You can make it a little richer with some cream added at the end but it's also great without. It's a main course soup for me - excellent for lunch with crusty bread. -- posted by rmarcella56

Scottish Stone Cream

Sun, 18 Jan 2009 01:52:15 -0500

This recipe was found in a cookbook issued by the International Institute in Milwaukee many years ago. -- posted by Dan-Amer #1

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

Auld Alliance: Scotch Whisky & French Roquefort Pate

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 12:12:05 -0500

This original simple cheese cream from the historic Overscaig B&B in Sutherland is delicious served as a cream pate for the first course or at the end of a meal as a savoury. From "A Feast of Scotland" by Janet Warren. 'The Auld Alliance' refers to a series of friendship treaties between Scotland and France, first signed in 1295. -- posted by BecR

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

Auld Alliance: Potted French Blue Cheese and Scotch Whisky Pate

Sun, 08 Mar 2009 17:36:45 -0400

The Auld Alliance is the historic friendship between Scotland and France, as well as a traditional cheese and whisky recipe. Here is a modern version of my Scottish grandmother's recipe for Auld Alliance. I have used Scotch whisky and a lighter French blue cheese, Fourme d'Ambert, instead of the usual Roquefort, which I find very salty. This makes a fabulous appetiser or an alternative cheese course. Choose a blue cheese and Scotch whisky of your choice; blends are better than malts in this recipe. A Potted History! Scotlands most famous connection with Europe was the Auld Alliance with France. First agreed in 1295/6 the Auld Alliance was built on Scotland and Frances shared need to curtail English expansion. Primarily it was a military and diplomatic alliance but for most of the population, it brought tangible benefits through pay as mercenaries in Frances armies and the pick of finest French wines! The preparation time includes the chilling time. -- posted by French Tart

Parsnip Lemon and Ginger Soup

Sat, 18 Apr 2009 16:53:26 -0400

This lovely light soup combines the sweetness of parsnip with the tang of fresh lemon and ginger from Claire MacDonald of Clan MacDonald -- posted by lindseylcw

Ballindalloch Haggis Mousselines With a Whisky, Cream and Onion

Wed, 13 May 2009 22:18:43 -0400

This lovely recipe is from a book called 'I Love Food' - by (an what a splendid name is this to have??!!!!) Clare MacPherson the Lady Laird of Ballindallock Castle - boy would I name drop if that was my name LOL. She simply describes this recipe as enhancing the haggis. PLEASE NOTE I have put 1 tblsp Glenfiddich where the actual recipe states 1 generous glass!!!!! Up to you. And, I am English so I call a turnip a turnip but up here in Scotland a turnip is a Rutabega, again take your pick! -- posted by lindseylcw

Fillet of Venison With a Wild Thyme and Blueberry Sauce

Wed, 13 May 2009 22:19:24 -0400

This is a recipe from Ballindalloch Castle. Wild thyme grows on all our river banks up here and in summer even in our town's drinking water you can taste the thyme - it is delicious. The blueberry also grows wild and when kids come home with a blue face they are said to have a 'blaeberry mou'. Sooo this recipe is full of the flavours of the Scottish Mountains. -- posted by lindseylcw

Mustardy Pheasant Breasts

Wed, 13 May 2009 22:21:05 -0400

More from the Lady Laird of Ballindallock Castle, she says these pheasants have a homely rustic flavour. Any new idea with pheasant is welcome in these parts. -- posted by lindseylcw

Caramelised Banana Tartlets

Wed, 13 May 2009 22:22:28 -0400

Another recipe from Ballindalloch Castle, this sounds wonderful and will look like you really do know what you are doing in the kitchen - with minimum effort!!!! My kind of dish. Don't be frightened of the caramel, it is easy to do, just keep it warm while you work with it. -- posted by lindseylcw

Scottish Berry Brulee

Wed, 13 May 2009 22:23:26 -0400

This sounds yummy, healthyish and really easy - a bonus!! -- posted by lindseylcw

Hearty and Healthy Five-Grain Bread

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 02:08:30 -0400

Toast up this delicous healthy bread and serve with soup or eat with a pat of sweet butter! There is about 2 hours rising time. Adapted from Country Living magazine. -- posted by Sharon123

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

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

Whiskey Smoked Salmon Spread

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:17:06 -0400

This is a delicious dip/spread that is great on a bagel. Or, if you are hosting a brunch, you can serve it on mini bagels garnished with some cucumber slices. Of course, if you don't like or drink whiskey, you can substitute milk in its place. -- posted by JackieOhNo!

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

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

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

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

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

The Witchery by the Castle Gates Steak Balmoral and Whisky Sauce

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 16:28:42 -0400

An excellent recipe for traditional Scottish Steak Balmoral, as served at the famous "The Witchery" restaurant located in Edinburgh, Scotland at the very top of the Royal Mile near the gates of beautiful Edinburgh Castle. The "Old Hell Fire Club" used to hold their meetings in this historic sixteenth century building. We prefer tender Aberdeen angus filet steaks in this first-rate recipe, but sirloin steaks or rib-eyes are just as good. Do try to use a very high quality beef, if possible. You can carefully flambe the whisky in step 2, but I usually don't bother as I find it boils down quickly enough into the divinely smooth and mellow sauce without the extra step. Serve these steaks with steamed new potatoes or baked potatoes, and seasonal greens or a tossed salad. -- posted by BecR

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

Cock-A-Leekie Soup

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:26:15 -0400

An old Scottish favourite - simple to make and a great dinner party appetizer. -- posted by English_Rose

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

Guinness Cupcakes

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:35:49 -0500

Nigella Lawson's Guinness Cake is much talked about. This is a downsized version of my adaptions to her recipe, perfect for making 12 delicious cupcakes that look like miniature pints of Guinness. It's a bit of a grown up delicacy, the flavours might be a little rich for young kids, but chocoaholics and Guinness lovers will be delighted. -- posted by Jillsybean

Halloumi and Smoked Venison

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:04:17 -0500

A wicked flavour combination that will 'wow' your tastebuds -- posted by LP3000

Smoked Rannoch Ham and Mango Salad

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:05:42 -0500

A really easy but wonderfully tasty salad suitable for light lunches, starters of side dishes. -- posted by LP3000

Rannoch Smokery Cold Smoked Beef Crostini

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:06:36 -0500

These crostini are an appetising mix of tender thin slices of finest Scotch beef and rich beetroot and orange chutney. They make quite a substantial delicious pre dinner canapé or as a starter with a salad garnish. They are easy to make and all the ingredients can be store cupboard or freezer, so youll never be caught out again if unexpected guests turn up or people are hungrier than expected! -- posted by LP3000

Leek Salad, Lady Victoria Weymss

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 18:41:15 -0500

This savory ,which is something served to close out a grand dinner, was created by Lady Victoria Weymss. Lady Victoria lived to be 104 years old and served as a lady in waiting to her cousin, Queen Elizabeth the queen mother, until she was over 100 years old. She was the last of Queen Victoria's godchildren. This recipe can be adapted to the number of guests you have. The quantities below are for 4 persons. Recipe is found in Lady Maclean's Cookbook. -- posted by Dan-Amer #1

Little Smoked Salmon Cucumber Cups With Peppered Creme Fraiche

Sun, 27 Dec 2009 15:30:18 -0500

Delightful and EASY little smoked salmon and cucumber appetisers, and healthy too, with NO pastry! These are a breeze to make but they tick all the taste boxes, as well as being elegant. Cucumbers do vary in size, and I have suggested a medium cucumber, which is about 10" to 12" long.........however, any size will do!! Adjust the crème fraiche to how many cups you yield from a cucumber, I managed to make 30 cups and used 10 tablespoons of crème fraîche for that amount, 1 teaspoon per cup. Serve these with cocktails and pre-dinner drinks, or as part of a buffet. The cucumber cups and crème fraîche can be prepared beforehand, but these should only be assembled 1 hour before serving (at the most) and covered in cling film to ensure the smoked salmon does not dry out. Allow 2 to 4 per person, depending on what else is served. -- posted by French Tart

Scrumptious Shepherd's Pie

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 01:54:27 -0500

Many attempts at Shepherd's Pie have been forced down by my willing gastronomical guinea pigs. Some of these attempts didn't even make it that far. Finally, I cracked the code to a delicious, rustic, and authentic (if you use lamb) Shep... that is nothing short of amazing simplicity. -- posted by AlmightyMooX

Traditional Potted Spiced Ham for Tea Time by Mrs Beeton

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 15:04:02 -0500

An old-fashioned treat, this is a fabulous way to use up left over ham, although I have also put some freshly cooked ham aside especially for this when I have baked a ham for Christmas, Easter or another special occasion. The ham is finely minced and mixed through with old-fashioned spices and butter, and it keeps for several weeks in a cool place. Another name for this recipe is Potted Meat, and it was VERY popular in Victorian times, although recipes for potted meats (preserved under butter) goes back even further than that historically. Wonderful in sandwiches for the teatime table or for picnics, lunch boxes and festive buffets. This is an adapted recipe from Mrs Beetons Book of Household Management, where she suggests that this is a nice addition for the Breakfast or Luncheon table. Serve with sliced breads of all types, oatcakes, toast, bread rolls, and crackers or with salad, chutneys, mustard and pickles. NB: Use a good cooked ham on the bone for this recipe: the sort carved by hand at the deli and old-fashioned butchers. So called "cooking time" is chill time. -- posted by French Tart

A Mere Trifle! Strawberries and Clotted Cream Trifle

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:20:30 -0500

Luscious fresh strawberries nestle amongst light sponge cake sandwiched with strawberry jam, which are then covered with creamy custard and topped with clotted cream. Simple! This trifle may be simple but it is the star on any tea-time or dessert table and if you cannot obtain clotted cream, use whipping cream, heavy cream or double cream instead. Madeira is used in place of sherry in this trifle, which gives a mellow flavour to the trifle. This is a recipe that my mum sent to me, from a cutting in a British magazine promoting Devon and Cornwall in the West Country - home of the Cream Tea! If you wish to serve this to children or non-drinkers, substitute the Madeira with fruit juice of your choice. In the summer scatter some pink rose petals over the top for the ultimate and romantic finish! (Prep time includes the chilling and soaking time.) -- posted by French Tart