This recipe comes from The Official Downton Abbey Cookbook which is quite similar to other gingerbread recipes of the era. What is particularly enjoyable about this book is that is prefaced by the historical background which I also like to provide. "Ginger was one of the … [Read more...] about Downton’s Traditional Gingerbread Cake
Fall
How to Make Authentic Cabbage Rolls
Traditions in Eastern European families include cabbage rolls, "Golubtsi", made in a unique way that Baba (grandmother) used to make. This is peasant food since the ingredients are quite inexpensive; however, they are labour intensive to make. As a result, they are often reserved … [Read more...] about How to Make Authentic Cabbage Rolls
Downton’s Sole à la Florentine
"Fish with something green is often seen on the dinner table at Downton. The garnish serves a practical purpose, as it gives the actors something to eat that isn't going to be horrible after several hours under fierce lighting. This was a genuinely popular way to eat fish, and … [Read more...] about Downton’s Sole à la Florentine
Downton’s Toad-in-the-Hole
"The servants' hall table at Downton is usually laden with batter puddings, potatoes, stews, and vegetables that are cheap and filling. Rather than being carefully molded and garnished, the dishes are typically served in the vessel they were cooked in, and while some of them take … [Read more...] about Downton’s Toad-in-the-Hole
Boozy Hot Guy Fawkes Punch
Guy Fawkes Day, aka Bonfire Night, is celebrated across the United Kingdom marking the failed attempt of Guy Fawkes to blow up the English Parliament on November 5, 1605. Bonfires were set alight on that night when the plot was revealed, celebrating the safety of King James I and … [Read more...] about Boozy Hot Guy Fawkes Punch