English Food by Jane Grigson
One for the Christmas wish list….
Jane Grigson is one of Britain’s greatest food writers, an author very much in the style of Elizabeth David, she personified the food and culture of Britain in the 60’s and 70’s whilst keeping alive dishes from pre-war chefs and households.
English food is one of her finest books and a must for anyone who loves traditional English dishes, everything is covered from afternoon tea to fish, game and poultry and cheese and egg dishes to a wonderful section on desserts and puddings.
When I read her or E.D’s books I often wonder if I read them for for the pre-recipe muses rather than the recipes themselves, they both talk of meals eaten on their travels and annecdotes arising from them in such a way as to wish you were there with them. I cannot help but compare these ladies cookery books which were aimed fair and square at the homecook and the likes of Mrs Ramsay and all those others who put a face to ghost writing employees.
Jane Grigson knew her subject, even down to how to pronounce a Cornish pastie like a yocal! Some dishes just make you want to cook them, or for me, fill a menu full of them. Here’s a few examples;
Mrs Raffald’s Bacon and Egg Pie, Yorkshire Almond Tart, Queen of Puddings, Mutton and Leek Broth, Rabbit Pie, Faggots and Peas….
Finally, this should be of interest to Mr Collins snr, a lifelong carp fisherman of varying success, there’s a recipe for all of those small roach he keeps catching!
Miles,
Rabbit pie and Queen of puddings…. food of the gods. I’ve got to dream up a menu for the annual Philosophy Gang luncheon, some of them will need highchairs and bibs, some anything buttery and sweet and there’s one who’ll eat the lot regardless, swilled down with claret (only it’ll be ribena with a splash of grenadine - do you think he’ll notice?
).
Cid
December 13, 2007 @ 9:26 am
Cid,
re the claret, I know how much he spends on a bottle so I doubt it!
Miles
December 13, 2007 @ 12:00 pm
Miles,
. To eat it just warm was perfect.
Talking of food writers, Cid should start to contemplate putting pen to paper. I have baked today Cid’s Apple & Cinnamon Cake and it is absolutely delicious.
Cid, many thanks for this sumptious recipe which will be a staple in the Nean bakehouse. It was also tested by 3 other guests one of whom is a professional, no less. To describe the sounds they made whilst eating it, was quite something else
December 13, 2007 @ 3:02 pm
Elsie,
I’m so pleased to hear that you and your friends have enjoyed the apple cake…. it will be your skill as a baker that made it such a success. I was recently dwelling on how wonderful this site is and how I enjoy our little ‘chats’! Long may it continue.
Cid
December 13, 2007 @ 11:31 pm