Cuisine: British

Coronation Quiche

I finally decided to make the controversial Coronation Quiche. I have to say, it's rather underwhelming. I had to hold back from adding shallots, and more cheese. I think it's a risky thing to make for guests due to the addition of tarragon, which you either love or hate. It's described on the King's website as A deep quiche with a crisp, light pastry case and delicate flavours of Spinach, Broad Beans and fresh Tarragon. Eat hot or cold with a green salad and boiled new potatoes - perfect for a Coronation Big Lunch! I beg to differ. Give me Queen Elizabeth II's Coronation Chicken!

By Leslie Blythe

Toad in the Hole with Rosemary

When we were living in London in the '90s, we would go to our local Guy Fawkes bonfire in Highbury Fields in Islington. Friends who didn’t have access to a Georgian square complete with a burning man were invited (specimen invitation below) to join us.  We would start at our flat with drinks (and fill all flasks), bundle up and head to Highbury Fields with hot roasted chestnuts in paper bags (mainly to keep our hands warm), cider and lots of smoke. I have to say, the atmosphere was deeply weird and sort of a nod to a Stephen King novel with a bit of Harry Potter (though HP didn't exist then) thrown in.

Thoroughly chilled, we would return to our flat for English fare such as Toad in the Hole and more cider. November 6th is always a slow start in English workplaces. Some blame it on the cider; I blame it on the Guy.

Guy Fawkes night is a British celebration that commemorates the capture of Guy Fawkes, a man who was instrumental in trying to overthrow the king in the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. It falls on the 5th of November and is a night filled with bonfires and fireworks, and of course British food. The weather is often freezing, but can sometimes be wet and warm.

By Leslie Blythe

Crispy English Potatoes with Pancetta

One of the things Brits excel in is roasted potatoes which usually accompany a Sunday roast with Yorkshire pudding. The boiling and roughing-up method is the key to making very crispy potatoes. Once you do this the potatoes get rough on the edges, which makes them super crispy when roasted in the oven. These Crispy English Potatoes with Pancetta are a real crowd-pleaser.

By Leslie Blythe

Bangers and Mash with Onion Gravy

Bangers and Mash with Onion Gravy is a traditional British Isles dish made of mashed potatoes and sausages. The onion gravy is out of this world.

By Leslie Blythe

Fish, Chips and Mushy Peas

Fish, Chips and Mushy Peas a classic English pub lunch. Serve with a pint of lager.

By Leslie Blythe