While my dear boyfriend is handsome, loving and always full of interesting (sometimes completely useless) information, I must confess there might have been something else that lured me over the pond. Having known me for only a couple of months, he proved how clever he really is by where he took me to dinner on my first trip to the UK.
Now let me begin by saying my love affair with Yorkshire pudding began long ago. Christmas Eve dinners or the occasional visit to my aunt and uncle (Bac Oanh and Uncle Jack) often consisted of roast beef and my aunt’s famous Yorkshire pudding. They often looked like this – made in a cupcake tray.
Now it’s been a few years since I’ve had them made by her, but I can still remember how light, crisp and rich they were. You know how you can have a childhood memory or even an adult memory of something you ate that you absolutely loved? As in, your mind can distinctly remember the exact way it looked on your plate, the exact way it tasted and the way it made you feel completely satisfied? Well that’s how I felt about Bac Oanh’s Yorkshire pudding. It was always a treat. I remember being just tall enough to watch them rise in the oven (although depending on whose kitchen I’m in now, I can barely reach the oven)…
But then… I met Chris. And on my first trip to the UK ever, Chris took me to Rules (http://www.rules.co.uk/), London’s oldest restaurant. And this is what we ordered:
As you can see, this Yorkshire pudding takes up half my plate and almost all of Chris’. It’s more than twice the size of his hand for crying out loud! You can only imagine how wide my eyes got when all this came out to our tiny little table for two. Everyone around us stared. I was a little embarrassed (not really). What I was really thinking was – why did I let him have the bigger portion?? Needless to say I devoured the entire thing. It wasn’t very lady-like, especially considering it was technically our second date/visit. But maybe that’s why he loves me? Let’s just say yes for now.
So after realizing how much I LOVE Yorkshire pudding, Chris wheeled me in even more by describing to me one of the classic English dishes – Toad in the Hole (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toad_in_the_hole) which is basically sausages baked in Yorkshire pudding and served with onion gravy. Sausages + Yorkshire pudding + gravy?? I couldn’t fathom the heavenly combination. I also couldn’t understand why anyone would ever say English food is bad because that sounded like perfection to me! While there are variations of this recipe (like this photo which is made with red onions and thyme: http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/1231/toadinthe-hole-with-red-onions-and-thyme-batter), I prefer the classic which of course means they should be made with Cumberland sausages (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cumberland_sausages). For those of you who have never been to the UK, they have some of the best sausages I’ve ever had. (Note – better than the US by a long shot, but very different compared to chorizo for example).
The photos on the side are of classic Cumberland sausage rings which come from the ‘ancient county’ of Cumbria which is in the Lake District of England. If you look closely, you’ll see that the raw sausage is in fact FIVE pounds – and that’s weight, not price. In local pubs, you can easily order a one-pound Cumberland ring with mash and gravy. It’s almost offensive how giant this thing is when it comes out to your table though.
But back to Yorkshire pudding and Toad in the Hole… There’s something about watching someone cook it that makes it that much tastier. You hear the sausages sizzle in the oven as they form a crispy layer and begin to cook. The batter is measured and mixed (something about baking always makes me feel like there’s love in the kitchen). The onions are chopped and sautéed for the gravy. The kitchen is slowly heating up with the oven on and the smell begins to fill the whole room. It’s that truly comforting feeling of a home-cooked meal. Then the batter is poured over the boiling oil and sausages and left to rise in the oven. The gravy’s finished off and the anticipation grows. But then… when you cut into that first bite…
The crisp skin of the sausage, the crunch of the Yorkshire pudding, the creamy mash and rich onion gravy… Mmmm can you taste it yet!?
Sigh… sadly this dish is so rich, I only ever eat it as a treat. But I bet a lot of classic comfort foods end up on this-is-why-you’re-fat.com (http://thisiswhyyourefat.com/post/94199124/toad-in-the-hole-sausages-in-yorkshire-pudding). Nevertheless, it’s such a favorite of mine that the memory alone makes me run a few extra miles just so I can enjoy it guilt-free (on those special occasions)… All in all, you can clearly see why and how much I love Yorkshire pudding. But, of course, I love Chris too 🙂
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I know that was another very-unhealthy post, so I promise to do a healthy one next time. My sister has asked me for some vegetarian canapé recipes for this weekend. I gave her a couple ideas – one oldie but a goodie and a couple new experiments. So hopefully they turn out well. I’m trying not to post without photos and also trying not to pig out every day just just to get my camera out!
Spread the food love!
Xxx
Hi Nina!! I too share your undying love for yorkshire! My English grandmother made it at Christmas. It had been a very long time since she had made that wholesome goodness for the family. I’ll enjoy your blog!
Jilly
I like the blog Nina. When Nicole and I were in London for our honeymoon we went to Gordon Ramsays resturant Clairidges. It was amazing. If you have not been there yet I highly recomend it. I am looking forward to read your future posts. Take care and talk to you soon.
[…] When I think about what British foods I love (and also peruse my British Food Bible), I think of Toad in the Hole, Cornish pasties, Shepherd’s pie, Steak & Ale pie, Coronation Chicken, bangers & […]
I too share your love for Yorkshire Puddings. Everytime we have a sunday roast I am always given 2 while everyone else has 1 🙂 I like to leave it to last so I can savour every single bite.. mmmm
Thanks Kylie! They are truly delicious.. If you’re in the UK, check out Aunt Bessie’s frozen Yorkies (sold at Tesco and other locations). It’s a bit of a cheat but if you’re craving them and don’t have much time.. these are brilliant and come out super crispy! Happy Eating!