Mince Pies . . . and other English things which have grown on me

Chutney

I would have never dreamed of making chutney

when I lived in Texas.

There is just something so British Empire

and WI about it.

I made these for teacher and friend gifts

this year - along with tins of M & S biscuits.

It seemed like an appropriate gift

for an economic crisis.

It feels thrifty.

It lasts a long time,

as does the vinegary smell

which hangs about the kitchen

after you simmer all of the ingredients

together for hours.

Snowballs

Mix one part Advocaat with one part lemonade/Sprite

and lots of ice. Stir.

A cross between eggnog

and an ice cream soda.

Perfect for teenagers, mother-in-laws,

and people who order Pina Coladas.

I first learned of this quintessential

70s drink while watching

The Royle Family

many years ago.

That reference alone revealed what

a cheesy, retro drink it is.

I love it, though.

Bovril beef broth

In a recent interview,
Julie Walters said
that a cup of hot Bovril after swimming
was a favourite childhood memory.
It is very cosy and warming,
and my children are hooked on it, too.

Brussels Sprouts

The essential vegetable
for a Christmas roast dinner.
I didn’t always like
its slightly sour taste,
but with lashings of pancetta,
parsley and Marsala wine
(thanks to Nigella Lawson’s advice)
I can happily eat it.

Mulled wine

Sweet and warming,
so delicious!
This year’s recipe
included the savoury touches
of a clove of garlic
and a bay leaf.
You steep the spices in apple juice
and then add an equal part
of red wine.
To be taken, as holiday tonic,
with mince pies of course!

Mince pies

I can remember very clearly
the first time I loved a mince pie.
It was the week before Christmas
In 1999.
We had walked down a dark, snowy lane
to a friend’s cottage,
where we ate mince pies and drank mulled wine
in front of a roaring fire.

They really are better home-made.
Last year I canned many jars
of mincemeat, and then gave them away
so cavalierly.
I used my last jar this weekend,
only to discover that the
recipe (from a newspaper, I think)
has been lost!

Nigella’s recipe for pastry
is perfect.