Posted on 10/13/2006 4:31:20 PM PDT by snugs
Winston Churchill famously said that American and Britain were 2 countries divided by a common language nor more so is this true than when it comes to food. We can eat the same sort of things but at completely different times of the day and serve it with completely different type of food.
A dessert in Britain is often looked upon as a breakfast dish in America.
American cookies are similar to British biscuits, American biscuits are similar to British sconces.
What is called a grill in England is a broiler in America.
A stove is a cooker and a cook book is a cookery book in England.
I thought it might be interesting to look at foods and confectionery that are identified with both countries, where they overlap, where they are different and personal tastes and traditions that have over the years shaped what we eat and when.
I posed the following questions to some American freepers and the following graphics reflect their answers.
1) What would you consider to be typical English food
2) What would you consider to be a typical English meal
3) What sweets (candies) do you identify with England
4) What would you consider to be typical American food
5) Would you consider to be a typical American meal
6) What candies do you consider are American
I have also compiled graphics from an English point of view regarding the above points.
Come and take a look at the food remember favourites from yesteryear and add your own thoughts and tastes. Lets make this an interesting, fun thread full of great memories of the past and present and that friendly homely feeling that familiar food conquers up. The memories and warm feelings of giving and sharing with the festivities that go with it or simply the pleasure of well cooked meal at the end of a busy and tiring day.
Food is also associated with different seasons and events such as Easter, Thanksgiving (US) Bonfire Night (UK) Christmas, New Year and of course birthdays and family traditions.
These events for singles can be fun time when they get drawn into a larger group plus made to feel part of a family but on the other hand often it can be the reverse. Christmas, New Year and Easter and of course for Americans Thanksgiving can be very lonely times for singles not fitting into any particular group and also sad for those who in the past have been part of family groups at these particular times of the year.
Below are Dolly's thoughts on this very point
For singles Thanksgiving & Christmas can be lonely. You can go to events & be with lots of people, but still be lonely. I speak from experience.
Single guys.. even if cooking “Ian’t your thing”.. DO TRY HARD to develop a couple recipes that are “you”.. you take to friend’s homes w/invite; take to church carry ins etc. Your “signature dish” , if you will. I have a feeling Snugs and others will be sharing a lot of ideas for you to work on. Cooking is NOT women’s world in reality, although traditionally it is. You will be tickled & flattered when you get an invite & people suggest you bring that “great” ______ dish.
I have many great memories of Thanksgiving over the years. NONE OF THE GREAT memories involve preparing the turkey.. There were memories but not great.
Over the decades I have followed a vegetarian diet (animal lover, not health reason) I have NOT really done a T meal. Seems I have been invited to others homes & I bring a dish or to various restaurants. There is always plenty to eat!
I came across this link & depending on what is going on this year I might try this.
Vegetarian Thanksgiving
There is NO mention of a “stuffing” dressing, so I will share a recipe that I have created & it is modified each & every time.. One of those dump it kind of recipes. I always liked stuffing but NOT the giblets inside. At one time I made a stuffing with Pork or Italian sausage & it was good & got raves & requests for recipe.
Here is the Harvest stuffing recipe:
Herb & Fruit Dressing
8 Cups cubed bread (about 12 slices) I use a Brownberry health nut or 12 grain bread.
½ cup butter
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 large sweet onion, chopped
4 apples, peeled, cored, & chopped
1-1/2 tsp sage, rubbed dried
1 tsp thyme, dried
1 tsp pumpkin spice
1/2 Cup chopped dried cranberries
1/2 Cup raisins
I can sliced/chopped water chestnuts
1 cup pecans &/or walnuts mixed
2 Cups vegetable stock
salt && pepper to taste
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spread bread cubes on a
baking sheet and toast for 15 or 20 minutes, until
lightly toasted.
Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Put
celery and onion into skillet, cover, and sauteé
for 5 minutes. Add two Tbsp of the stock and stir
to release any browned bits. Simmer until liquid
evaporates. Add apples & two more Tbsp of stock &
simmer, stirring, until liquid evaporates.
Stir in seasonings & 1/4 cup of stock, cover, reduce heat to low,
& simmer until apples are tender, 5 or 6 minutes.
Pour bread mixture into a large bowl, mix in fruits & nuts & ,
drizzle with remaining stock, & season with salt && pepper.
Transfer to a 12 – 14 cup casserole, lightly coated with
non-stick spray, cover, & bake in a 325 degree F oven
for 35 to 45 minutes.
note:
apples which maintain their shape when baked are best,
Northern Spy is *the* quintessential choice but Golden
Delicious would be good too.
Happy Planning... DollyCali
Typical American meal -
Pizza
Lager
Well, it's typical in my circles, anyway.
Today the main meal type food concentrates on English food tomorrow I will do similar for American food, freep me any suggestions you would like included in the graphics for tomorrow of your favourite American food.
Love, love,love British toffee! Its great for a sore throat.
The truly authentic English candy is to die for, and easily acquired in Canada, which isn't that far from where I live. My favorite is the English toffee. I go to Canada once a month just to buy authentic English candies.
Amongst women I would say the drink of preference is what we call alcol pops
Prawns are what you call shrimps. We only call the very small shrimps, shrimps.
Prawns are similar to shrimp only larger.
I like toffee with brazil nut in it complete with the little hammer to break it :0)
We call all shrimps prawns apart from the very little brown ones which we call shrimps.
Food? Who needs food?
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