Downton Dining

The PBS smash "Downton Abbey " has fans and foodies desiring true English fare. Anglophiles and those who just love a good soap opera are even creating Sunday night parties revolving around British country fare and high teas. Fine china along with toad in the hole, clotted cream and scones are being nibbled as the second season of this fascinating drama unfolds.


The manor is divided into two sections ,upstairs and down. If you identitfy with Lord and Lady Grantham, the manor's owners then you may want to think about a lovely tea . Even though the show is sown at 9 PM in most areas you can still serve an elegant tea (which is usually served at 4 PM). Small finger sandiwches are a must. These can have a variety of fillings such as the traditional cucumber and watercress to chicken salad. You can also make pastes using devilled chicken or ham mixed with mayonnaise . Scones are another tea favorite. If you can't buy them, then make your own. They are easy to whip up and bake and you can make different flavors to suit your guests' tastes. Remember that since this is an English tea have good strong British kinds. Early Grey and Lady Grey are strong and flavorful.Typhoo tea is another favorite. This is a British import and can be hard to come by.

The downstairs group ate pretty well too. The story takes place in Yorkshire where there is plenty of beef and cheese. Yorkshire pudding is the county's most famous dish and it's easy to make.It is basically a buttery popover that is eaten with roast beef and gravy.The batter is a mix of milk, eggs and flour along with the addition of the roast's drippings to give it flavor.Rhubarb is also popular  there and is found in several desserts. Since it's really not the season you can serve thich oat bread toast or Parkin laden with butter and rhubarb strawberry preserves. There are also pikelets, a flat crumpets that are split open and then toasted. They  can be served with another Yorkshire specialty, Wensleydale cheese. This last is a variation of blue cheese .If you have neither, then think English muffins seved warm with crunbled blue cheese on top.

Downton Abbey has captured America's hearts and palates. Whoever you like best, the complicated aristocracy  or the loveswept staff, enjoy their foods. Have tea or somehting heartier for more of a taste of England!