Nothing says British Christmas like mincemeat. Originally mincemeat was made with ground meat, offals, eggs and whatever else was on hand. The first mince pies were prepared by the Crusaders in the 11th century. Spices (cinnamon, nutmeg) brought back from the Holy Land were … [Read more...] about Easy Holiday Mincemeat Oatmeal Squares
ground ginger
The Amazing Flavours of Yorkshire Parkin
Guy Fawkes Day is celebrated across the United Kingdom marking the failed attempt of Guy Fawkes to blow up English Parliament on November 5, 1605. Parkin holds court as traditional favorite for Guy Fawkes Day in the UK. Guy was from Yorkshire, hence the name. It is a moist … [Read more...] about The Amazing Flavours of Yorkshire Parkin
All the Taste, Half the Guilt Pumpkin Pie
While we associate pumpkin pie with American cuisine, recipes for pumpkin pie appeared as early as the 17th century. Originally they were called “pompion”, the French word for “pumpkin”, which suggests that the French created the first pumpkin pie recipes. Non fat evaporated … [Read more...] about All the Taste, Half the Guilt Pumpkin Pie
Edwardian Pumpkin Banana Bread
My favorite use for ripe bananas is in breads. I adapted this Edwardian banana bread recipe in which clever cooks used cooked pumpkin to provide bulk to the bread without affecting the flavour of the loaf. It still tastes like banana. I have adjusted the recipe to cut the fat and … [Read more...] about Edwardian Pumpkin Banana Bread
Downton Abbey Has Gone Bananas
I love talking tea parties as I thoroughly enjoy taking creative license to mix and match topics. It is like serving tea on mismatched teacups to your guests along with a lovely stacked tea tray of wee sandwiches, sweets and savoury treats. No one seems to mind, and everyone … [Read more...] about Downton Abbey Has Gone Bananas