Ribiselkuchen (Red Currant ‘Cake’)
I have let the veg garden run to weeds (I’ve had more important things to think about this year) but managed to salvage some red currants...
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sjfbilton
- Nov 2, 2022
- 2 min
Parkin Ice Cream
This parkin ice cream was one of the contribution to the virtual pot luck supper discussed at the end of my first Comfortably Hungry podcast
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sjfbilton
- Sep 9, 2022
- 3 min
Take a Goose or a Duck by Cynthia Bertelsen (Book Review)
What is the essence of the book? Take a Goose or a Duck: Eclectic Essays on English Cookery Through the Ages is a series of concise...
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sjfbilton
- Jul 10, 2022
- 3 min
Strawberry & Saffron Tarts
Here's a sneak preview of one of the recipes in my next book, Fool's Gold: A History of British Saffron. Once you've tasted these...
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sjfbilton
- Jul 5, 2022
- 3 min
A History of Herbalism by Emma Kay
What is the essence of the book? Humans have exploited the benefits of herbs (or ‘yarbs’ as they are known in some parts of Britain) for...
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sjfbilton
- Jun 14, 2022
- 2 min
Melons & Other Cucurbits: Growing & Cooking
What is the essence of the book? I am a reasonably keen gardener. I have never been flummoxed by growing cucumbers or pumpkins but melons...
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sjfbilton
- Jun 6, 2022
- 2 min
A Dark History of Sugar by Neil Buttery
I don’t possess a sweet tooth. I feel quite smug writing this but really I’m kidding myself. Sugar is everywhere from natural sources...
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sjfbilton
- Jun 1, 2022
- 3 min
Jubilee Madness?
It’s been a busy few weeks. The final edits are being made to my next book Fool’s Gold: The History of British Saffron (out in July...
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sjfbilton
- Dec 16, 2021
- 3 min
Risshewes (Medieval Fruit Pasties)
The blog has been taking a back seat this year. I’ve been busy promoting First Catch Your Gingerbread and immersing myself in the middle...
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sjfbilton
- Nov 8, 2021
- 2 min
A Dark History of Chocolate by Emma Kay
What is the essence of the book? Chocolate may be deliciously decadent but it turns out that it also has a sinister side which is...
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sjfbilton
- Oct 31, 2021
- 4 min
The Village in the Valley: Travels in Mexico & Italy by Corinna Sargood
I’m not sure how I feel about hallowe’en. On the one hand, I am fascinated by the folklore surrounding it and the Celtic tradition of...
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sjfbilton
- Sep 28, 2021
- 2 min
Brandy Snaps
Golden syrup is used to make modern brandy snaps but the original brandy snaps sold at fairs were made from treacle. They were a...
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sjfbilton
- May 17, 2021
- 5 min
Soyer’s Symposium of All Nations
Alexis Soyer is remembered for many things. He was saviour of the Irish famine creating soup kitchens capable of feeding thousands of...
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sjfbilton
- May 17, 2021
- 4 min
‘Whitebait’ Goujons
White Bait,—‘This is a fish which belongs especially to London; although it is obtainable in other rivers in Great Britain and the...
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sjfbilton
- May 1, 2021
- 6 min
The Crystal Palace
Over a period of nine months from August 1850 the residents of Kensington witnessed a colossal glass building being erected in Hyde Park....
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sjfbilton
- Mar 15, 2021
- 5 min
Lost and Found
Losing or misplacing stuff is a daily occurrence in my house. For me it’s usually a particular kitchen utensil. For my husband, it’s...
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sjfbilton
- Feb 5, 2021
- 2 min
The Biscuit by Lizzie Collingham
What is the essence of the book? The Biscuit: The History of a Very British Indulgence frankly does what it says on the (biscuit) tin. It...
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sjfbilton
- Jan 15, 2021
- 2 min
Seville Orange & Chocolate Tart
We all know that Seville oranges make fabulous marmalade but how about using them in a tart? This dessert takes its inspiration from the...
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sjfbilton
- Jan 4, 2021
- 3 min
Scoff: A History of Food and Class in Britain by Pen Vogler
What is the essence of the book? As a nation it is doubtful that many of us Brits pay much heed to the origins of our beloved dishes such...
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sjfbilton
- Dec 31, 2020
- 1 min
Roasted Squash Salad with Lentils & Feta
According to Elisabeth Luard in her European Festival Cooking, lentils are traditionally eaten at midnight on New Years Eve or on New...
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