My Derbyshire mother-in-law, who lived through WWII and its subsequent rationing, appreciates the beautiful simplicity of a fresh egg, and accords a good one high status. "If you have an egg, you have a meal". Some of the best ways with eggs are … [Read more...]
Scandinavian smørrebrød
I can't describe the excitement I felt when I encountered my first true smørrebrød. I was a student in Denmark, at the University of Copenhagen on a semester abroad scholarship. It was the first time I'd travelled out of my own country as a … [Read more...]
Mushrooms make a meal
I've always loved that early part of Lord of the Rings when the hobbits are still in the Shire, walking and singing their way past familiar places before things get scary. The transition is that tense scene when they cross Farmer Maggot's fields to … [Read more...]
Light in the darkness
Last night we joined friends in the Suffolk countryside for Bonfire Night. It was the first time this strange English ritual has touched me, and I did not expect this. I must admit to finding most such nights, with their local fireworks and bad … [Read more...]
I used to cook in a piggery
I used to cook in a piggery. That’s what I called it, though the students who lived there didn’t know this. I cooked two meals a day for 40 undergraduates of a well-known California university who lived in a falling-down house, back in the days … [Read more...]
Afternoon tea of a faun
Since living in England these many years, I have come to appreciate the ritual of afternoon tea, be it a simple cup of "the vital Oolong" (to quote Bertie Wooster), an indulgent cream tea at a pretty spot on holiday, or the overpriced … [Read more...]