The holidays are over. In our home holiday decorations have been carefully packed away along with the old Downton calendar, replaced by a new Downton Calendar waiting to be filled with important dates. I sometimes imagine that the holidays are like life at Downton; a packed social calendar without any work commitments.
It is also the beginning of awards season and we give our condolences to Joanne and Dame Maggie for their loss at the Golden Globes last night, but that show really is not “Downton – worthy” in any event. But time to get on with it, embrace the new year with all that it brings, and enjoy the last season of Downton.
In keeping with tradition here, I will continue to share a recipe from each episode which gets on screen mention as my love letter to the Downton kitchen staff and to those fans who love the food on the show. Today’s recipe is homemade horseradish, which really is quite easy to make yourself.
What Happened in S6, E2
A quick recap of what went on down and upstairs this past week:
- Plans for the Carson/Hughes Wedding are back on now that the terms of their marriage have been settled. The issue now is where the wedding reception will be held. Mrs. Hughes does not want to feel like a servant at her own wedding, so rejects Mary’s offer of Downton.
- While prison no longer threatens happiness, we learn that Anna has been miscarrying. With a visit to Lady Mary’s doctor, it would appear that the problem is easily rectified, and the pitter-patter of little Bates’s should be in their future.
- Robert tries to broker peace over the hospital issue, but finds that both sides are quite entrenched in their positions.
- The pig operation is highlighted this episode, as are the Drewes who raise them. Lady Mary, as the new agent, looks smart as her pig wins Best in Show. However celebrations are short lived as Marigold goes missing. She is discovered safe and sound at the Drewe farm, but Marjorie’s actions have forced the Crawleys to end their tenancy. The vacancy leaves a window of opportunity for Mr. Mason, as long as Daisy doesn’t have another tantrum.
- Horrors, Mrs. Patmore considers buying a jar of horseradish. It is quick and simple to make (recipe below), particularly with our modern appliances.
Fundraising Idea: Relaxing Over Afternoon Tea
Afternoon Tea: what a lovely way to host fellow Downton fans as you discuss the latest episode, and ponder what Downton will deliver next. The book contains 60+ recipes for tea treats, the three S’s: scones, sandwiches/ savouries and sweets.
The book provides a brief history of afternoon tea, tea etiquette and tips on how to host your own tea for fun or fundraising. Amazon sells the print version and Kindle versions, or you can download PDF version here.
Abbey Cooks Entertain: 2nd Edition
Whether you are hosting 2 or 20, this book has lots of ideas. Containing 220+ traditional Downton era recipes with a modern twist, this is a great book to create some simple or complex dishes for your Mary or Anna. This 448 page ebook has been updated to include both metric and imperial measurements and now includes famous Downton dishes throughout the series. Book sales help offset my costs in food, equipment and time to provide you new recipes on a regular basis. This ebook is now available for download on my site and on Amazon: Abbey Cooks Entertain: 220 recipes inspired by Downton Abbey, Seasons 1 – 5 Print Version is here. The good news is that the 2nd Edition is available on Amazon. The full book is 450 pages and will contain famous Downton recipes from Seasons 1-5.
The Humble Horseradish
Horseradish looks like a very large parsnip with little aroma until you cut into it. Although it’s most commonly sold in its grated form, horseradish can also be found whole or in powder. Believed to have originated in Eastern Europe and western Asia, horseradish has graced the Passover seder table since medieval times as one of the traditionally eaten bitter herbs, or maror, symbolizing the bitterness of the Israelites’ slavery in Egypt.
How it got its name: While the original name for horseradish in many places in central and eastern Europe was khreyn, the Germans chose the name meerrettich, or sea radish, a reference to the seaside locations in which the feisty herb was often found growing. Some believe that the English misunderstood meer in meerrettich to be mähre, meaning old horse (and a fitting description of the toughness of the roots). Others claim that the prefix “horse” in horseradish related to the size and coarseness of the root as compared to regular radishes.
Medicinal Use: Over the centuries, nearly every part of the horseradish plant has been used for medicinal purposes, such as an expectorant for coughs and to relieve joint discomfort and rheumatism. Horseradish’s antibiotic properties are said to be effective in clearing urinary tract infections and treating bronchial and throat infections by destroying harmful bacteria. According to a 2004 study from the University of Illinois, horseradish is rich in glucosinolates that boost the liver’s ability to expel carcinogens and may even stop the growth of existing tumours. The study suggests that only a dab of horseradish on a steak, or as little as one gram (less than a teaspoon), will show health benefits.
The United States is the top horseradish producer in the world, followed by Europe and Canada. An estimated 10.8 billion kilograms of horseradish are processed annually in the U.S., most of it grown in southern Illinois. Collinsville, Illinois – known as the Horseradish Capital of the World –produces some 60 percent of the world’s horseradish.
extracted from the writings of Meryl Rosenstein and Rosemary Mantini
Homemade horseradish
Still a popular condiment in English cookery (Lord D and I love it on roast beef), it is quite easy to make and more economical than buying store-bought if you use a lot of horseradish, as we do.
Do take precautions to ensure your work area is well ventilated and protect your hands and eyes in case you get a really potent root. If chopping onions produces the tears you felt after Matthew and Sybil died, horseradish can make you feel more like the impending end of Downton Abbey!
Homemade horseradish
Ingredients
- 1 -2 lb (.5 – 1 kg) fresh horseradish root (root about 12 inches, good quality root white, clean, firm, and free from cuts and blemishes)
- 3 large ice cubes
- 1 tsp (5 ml) salt
- 1?4 cup (59 ml) white vinegar
- 1-5 tbsp. chilled water add as much as want to thin
Instructions
- Place 3 ice cubes in a food processor or blender.
- Peel the horseradish root with a sharp knife or vegetable peeler, cut into 1-2 inch cubes and rinse.
- Placing cubes in the food processor with salt and pulse until fine.
- Add chilled water only if needed to thin the horseradish.
- Add the vinegar: if you prefermildhorseradish add vinegar immediately and pulse to blend. For a hotter result, let it sit in the food processor for 3-4 minutes before adding the vinegar.
- Transfer your ground horseradish into small glass jars, keep away from your eyes to store in the fridge. Keep the lid tightly closed to keep your hot horseradish hot.
