Few British foods have been as widely maligned as the humble fruit cake. And very unfairly so. Frequently the punchline in jokes, fruit cake is assumed to be heavy, dry, and lacking in any redeeming qualities. Sadly, some cakes, both…
Time for Tea: Victoria Sponge
A Victoria Sponge (or Victoria Sandwich) is that most quintessential of all British afternoon tea cakes. It is hard to picture an afternoon tea without dainty sandwiches, scones, and a freshly-made Victoria Sandwich, two layers of delicate sponge with jam…
When in Grasmere, Eat Gingerbread!
In a recent National Park Spotlight, British Food and Travel explored the beauty of the Lake District. Since we followed up our exploration of the Peak District with a recipe for Bakewell Pudding, when in the lakes, it’s time for…
Bakewell Tart. Or is it Bakewell Pudding?
In the recent post about the Peak District National Park, one suggested local refreshment was the famed Bakewell Tart. Or is it a Bakewell Pudding? Like so many traditional recipes, there are disagreements about the origin of the dish, the…
Samuel Pepys and the Stone Feasts
This is one of those historical English oddities that is just begging to be shared. Life is filled with random celebrations, but for Samuel Pepys, one annual meal was held for a reason that most of us might find a…
Suet: What is it?
Recently chatting to an American friend, the topic of suet arose. Giving me an odd glance, she pointed to the suet cakes she hangs in her garden for the birds and asked what was so different about English suet? She…
Toad in the Hole
Toad in the hole is one of those traditional British comfort foods whose name always provokes a giggle among those unfamiliar with it. Victorian author Mrs Beeton referred to it as “a homely but savoury dish”. The dish of sausages…
Getting Medieval in the Kitchen
Some time ago, I received the book British Food: An Extraordinary Thousand Years of History by Colin Spencer, and that I was intrigued to learn more about the eating habits of my homeland, particularly during medieval times. As soon as I read…