While I could eat pancakes every day of the year, they hold a special place on the calendar. Shrove Tuesday or Pancake Tuesday is a Christian celebration just before Lent which takes place on a different day each year leading up to Easter. Shrove is the past tense of shrive, … [Read more...] about Why do we have Pancakes on Shrove Tuesday?
Fun Food History
The Scot’s Celebrate Hogmanay on December 31st
Christmas in North America is a month-long buildup of festivities, reflecting a melting pot of religious, cultural and secular traditions. New Year’s is more of an afterthought—one last party before getting back to business. In Scotland, however, Christmas is a low-key … [Read more...] about The Scot’s Celebrate Hogmanay on December 31st
Have Yourself a Very Downton Christmas
The rendering of a snowy Highclere Castle is the perfect image for a Christmas card, a tradition that dates back to 1843. Sir Henry Cole, a Victorian A-lister, was in the unenviable position of having to answer the stacks of Christmas letters he had received. In desperation to … [Read more...] about Have Yourself a Very Downton Christmas
Foolproof Way to Roast Chestnuts
Fresh chestnuts are available September through February and hence are a fall, winter, and holiday favourite. Nat King Cole sealed the deal for a couple of generations with the holiday classic song where “chestnuts are roasting on an open fire.” Do note that when roasting … [Read more...] about Foolproof Way to Roast Chestnuts
Spectacular Cherries Jubilee
This delightful dish dates back to the 1800s. The dish was created by Chef Auguste Escoffier in honour of Queen Victoria's Jubilee celebration. Cherries was Queen Victoria's favourite fruit so it was a good choice for dessert. The original version was not served over ice … [Read more...] about Spectacular Cherries Jubilee
