It's Blue Monday, apparently the most depressing day of the year. It is a British thing. While Americans celebrate the life and legacy of Martin Luther King on the third Monday of January, a 2005 promotional campaign for Sky Travel decided we needed to be reminded just how long … [Read more...] about Downton Abbey Serves Spotted Dick, Oh My!
food history
Soul Cakes, the Original Halloween Treat
Summer is over and harvest celebrations are coming to a close. Winter is not far behind. I love tracing traditions and the foods that are an important part of the celebrations. Did you know that Halloween has ancient origins in Ireland? It was originally called Samhain, and … [Read more...] about Soul Cakes, the Original Halloween Treat
Downton Cooking Lesson: It’s All Gravy
It is Thanksgiving weekend in Canada. The Dowager might very well have asked her American nemesis Martha Levinson “What is Thanksgiving?” The British do not celebrate a one-day feast; instead, there is the month of Harvest Festival events. The Canadian Thanksgiving holiday … [Read more...] about Downton Cooking Lesson: It’s All Gravy
Carry on Birthday Traditions Despite Downton Downtime
While the cold weather is not helping to boost our collective spirits after the end of Downton's Season 4, at least I have my birthday month celebrations to look forward to. My birthday was yesterday but it has become a tradition for me to reach out to friends and colleagues I … [Read more...] about Carry on Birthday Traditions Despite Downton Downtime
Downton Season S4 Finale Deserves Crowning Roast of Lamb
Alas another season of Downton Abbey has come to an end. The timing of the finale was the perfect ending of a great weekend for Canadians who beamed with national pride as we beat the Swedes for Gold in men's hockey. Like the Dowager we took some pleasure poking fun at the … [Read more...] about Downton Season S4 Finale Deserves Crowning Roast of Lamb
