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 A Very Happy Christmas to You
Fun Food History
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
Chewier Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Scots are known for their crispy oatcakes from which oatmeal cookies evolved. The first recorded oatmeal raisin cookie recipe was written by Fannie Merritt Farmer in 1896 so made the jump to America. The cookies were billed as “health food,” and by early 1900s a recipe appeared … [Read more...] about Chewier Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Fun Food History of the Yule Log
If you missed Stir Up Sunday this year so no homemade Christmas Pudding or Fruitcake on your holiday sweets table, you can always impress your family and guests with another English tradition, the Yule Log cake or bûche de Noël as it is known to the French. Essentially it is a … [Read more...] about Fun Food History of the Yule Log
