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!

A Good Hot Cup

Now that October and cooler weather are here , it;s time to finally enjoy a nice hot cup of something.A warm brew is now more appreciated than anything loaded with ice. Also a hot beverage is much more richer than an iced anything. The drinks flavor intensifies and the various notes come out.

My favorite cold weather drink is Lady Grey tea. This is a more delicate blend than its' cousin, Earl Grey . It has a strong orange notes but doesn't have the astringency of the others. I have it sans milk and sugar. I think adding anything to it would compromise the taste. It's the perfect breakfast tea for a chilly morning. For a walk on a windswept beach I'd bring a more robust tea. Something with dark notes that could stand up to an accompanying sandwich. Any of the Lipton blends is good and with these you can add sweeteners.

Of course nothing beats hot coffee or hot cocoa on a chilly night. Chock Full of Nuts is a tasty brew, perfect with a good book and one of those blanket robe thingies. I also like the way it complements the hearty cakes and pies of the season.,Cocoa is a different matter. Some people do like a delicate blend which is what I prefer,namely Droste with sugar added. This reminds me of true Parisian hot chocolate and it's just lovely with fresh buttery croissants. What a perfect fall breakfast before you head out hiking or leaf gazing.

Now that October is here wean yourself off the iced drinks. Appreciate the full, rich taste of a hot drink, A good hot cup of whatever is soothing for both body and soul.

A Thermos Full of Goodness

Just because it’s winter , doesn’t mean you should not take advantage of the out doors. There are sunny, crisp days that are perfect for skiing, skating and even just walking on the beach. What makes these activities bearable is having a thermos by your side. There’s nothing like a hot cup of coffee or tea that keeps your blood warm during a frigid day out.

What goes well in a thermos? A couple of cups of coffee. If you plan on doing a lot start with the caffeinated kind and some milk. If you want to add some brandy for kick do so but not enough that it’ll impair you. This is good for warming your veins and you’ll be ready for anything. Also a hot coffee is a good companion to any kind of sandwich. Hot tea is also good . Pick something milk like Earl Grey or Lady Grey add some lemon or even a squeeze of orange and some sugar. Hot tea is a good companion during a long walk . Again, like coffee. it’s also good with a sandwich and even better with granola bars or organic cookies.

Many people like hot cocoa in their thermos. This is a fine idea however it does make one thirsty. I think the scratch kind is better than the commercial ones. These can be too sweet , like soda and can leave you wanting some water afterwards. Make your own , using hot milk, Droste powdered chocolate and a small amount of sugar You can also make a variation of a mocha by adding coffee to the mix. This cuts down on the sweetness even more and makes for a bracing drink.

If you’re planning on cold weather activities, then bring a thermos with you. There’s nothing like breaking for a hot coffee , tea or hot cocoa. they’re not only warming but restorative. . You’ll feel like staying out no matter how low the temps go!