Downton Abbey's most notable Irish character is Tom Branson, the chauffeur, played by Allen Leech who tweets @allenleech. Brendan Coyle (who plays Mr. Bates) is half Irish, as is his character. Branson was introduced in S1 E4, which aired this week in South Africa on BBC, and … [Read more...] about Celebrating Irish Cuisine and the Science of Cooking with Alcohol
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The Downton Abbey Scandal: Pamuk & Turkish Delight
I love entertaining and grew up with horses so I was thrilled with the Fox hunt episode. But alas horse lovers, it is not the fox hunt which makes the episode memorable; rather it is the tragic consequences of a dangerous liasion. While the death of two heirs was tragic, the … [Read more...] about The Downton Abbey Scandal: Pamuk & Turkish Delight
Have a Cup of Tea and Eat it Too
If you have been following along on Twitter (@downtoncooks), Facebook or here at downtonabbeycooks.com,, you know by now that I celebrated my 50th birthday on Sunday. If you know me really well, you will understand that I stretch my birthdays into a month long excuse to … [Read more...] about Have a Cup of Tea and Eat it Too
Serve Plum Pudding to Mark the Occasion
I turned 50 yesterday. I have no idea how time managed to pass so swiftly. I have distinct memories of my 10th birthday, sweet 16, 20th, 30th and 40th celebrations, so my memory is still intact. I even remember my father's 50th birthday: I was working in his law office when a … [Read more...] about Serve Plum Pudding to Mark the Occasion
Proper Manners are Always in Style
While English cuisine still gets some bad press, taking tea is still revered as one of the pinnacles of social grace and civility. Today we are going to focus on the social graces of taking tea. Our recipe today is Clotted Cream, an essential part of Afternoon and Cream Tea. … [Read more...] about Proper Manners are Always in Style
