Resources that have helped me along the way...
Here, I'll be listing books, magazines, blogs, producers and people that have helped to inspire and educate me along the way. If you know of any great resources that you think would be useful, I'd be very grateful if you'd drop me an email with your suggestions.
Books
Eat Up! by Charles Campion
It was whilst reading this book that I was inspired to set myself 'The Great British Challenge'. Campion visits different 'real people' around the UK, tasting their homegrown produce and recipes that they have created or bought over to the UK from different countries.
It was whilst reading this book that I was inspired to set myself 'The Great British Challenge'. Campion visits different 'real people' around the UK, tasting their homegrown produce and recipes that they have created or bought over to the UK from different countries.
The Cookery Year, by The Reader's Digest
A very '70s' looking cook book upon first flick - but with some fascinating tips and support around buying/picking for quality and recipes to fit each months seasonal produce....another great 50p find from the charity shop :)
A very '70s' looking cook book upon first flick - but with some fascinating tips and support around buying/picking for quality and recipes to fit each months seasonal produce....another great 50p find from the charity shop :)
Arabella Boxer's Book of English Food
My latest and greatest - after being recommended by a 'cooking friend' I bought this on Amazon, and am reading through with great interest... more to follow!
My latest and greatest - after being recommended by a 'cooking friend' I bought this on Amazon, and am reading through with great interest... more to follow!
Jane Grigson's English Food
The foreword by Sophie Grigson, her daughter had me in tears - it's heart felt and shows the strong bond that they had. It's also clear when reading the book to see how Grigson helped to influence and encourage a wealth of small and successful producers. The recipes are fascinating, and provide even further support that we Brits haven't spent the last few centuries living on pies and chips.
The foreword by Sophie Grigson, her daughter had me in tears - it's heart felt and shows the strong bond that they had. It's also clear when reading the book to see how Grigson helped to influence and encourage a wealth of small and successful producers. The recipes are fascinating, and provide even further support that we Brits haven't spent the last few centuries living on pies and chips.
Food From Your Garden, from The Reader's Digest
After picking this up in a second hand shop for just 50p, I fell in love. it's my 'go-to' book if I see something strange growing and wonder if it's edible/if I'm stuck with a load of courgettes and don't know what else to make/if I need to know what's in season. Food From your Garden is a thing of great British beauty.
After picking this up in a second hand shop for just 50p, I fell in love. it's my 'go-to' book if I see something strange growing and wonder if it's edible/if I'm stuck with a load of courgettes and don't know what else to make/if I need to know what's in season. Food From your Garden is a thing of great British beauty.
Good Things In England, by Florence White
I came across this book two weeks in to my Challenge, and after reading the intro, I realised that what I'm doing is very similar to the reason that White originally wrote this book. It's to ensure that we preserve our heritage of food, so that we remember where, why and how things have evolved and so that we have something of interest for future generations to learn from.... Go Florence!
I came across this book two weeks in to my Challenge, and after reading the intro, I realised that what I'm doing is very similar to the reason that White originally wrote this book. It's to ensure that we preserve our heritage of food, so that we remember where, why and how things have evolved and so that we have something of interest for future generations to learn from.... Go Florence!
Nose to Tail Eating, by Fergus Henderson
Some of the most fascinating of British dishes have come about because of the frugal and inventive nature by which house wives were forced to cook in time of war and rationing, and so this I thought would be a great book to get some ideas on how we've adapted in modern times to using those cheaper cuts as part of an enjoyable/treat of a meal. I started with the pigs trotter recipe from here - and as you can see from my 'Make' challenge, it didn't go too well. That being said, I'm still a fan of this book and will certainly try the trotters at the St Johns restaurant just to make sure!
Some of the most fascinating of British dishes have come about because of the frugal and inventive nature by which house wives were forced to cook in time of war and rationing, and so this I thought would be a great book to get some ideas on how we've adapted in modern times to using those cheaper cuts as part of an enjoyable/treat of a meal. I started with the pigs trotter recipe from here - and as you can see from my 'Make' challenge, it didn't go too well. That being said, I'm still a fan of this book and will certainly try the trotters at the St Johns restaurant just to make sure!
British Seasonal Food by Mark Hix
Bought for me by lovely husband for Christmas to help inspire me with my challenge, this is a great book that highlights food that's in season each month, and provides recipes that show how to use some of those slightly lesser known ingredients such as 'cod tongues'.
Bought for me by lovely husband for Christmas to help inspire me with my challenge, this is a great book that highlights food that's in season each month, and provides recipes that show how to use some of those slightly lesser known ingredients such as 'cod tongues'.
Cook Britain by Sainsbury's
Purchased on a recent food shopping trip - this is packed full of great British favourites... I don't believe that all are the necessarily the authentically rich and glutenous versions of our great dishes (the Cullen skink certainly isn't as creamy as I think it should be!) but good nonetheless.
Purchased on a recent food shopping trip - this is packed full of great British favourites... I don't believe that all are the necessarily the authentically rich and glutenous versions of our great dishes (the Cullen skink certainly isn't as creamy as I think it should be!) but good nonetheless.
TV Programmes
Jamie's Great Britain, Channel 4
I had decided to set myself the challenge before this programme started and so watched with bated breath in the hope that I'd get loads of great tips and learn lots of things that could help to educate me in the ways of 'eating British' and set me up for the challenge. Although he cooked up some great looking dishes, I felt a little let down that everything he made originated from another country. I know that's what we do best as a nation, but I do hope that as I take up my challenge, I find some things that are truly British with heritage and interesting stories that also help us learn more about the history of our country - both in food, crafts and skills.
I had decided to set myself the challenge before this programme started and so watched with bated breath in the hope that I'd get loads of great tips and learn lots of things that could help to educate me in the ways of 'eating British' and set me up for the challenge. Although he cooked up some great looking dishes, I felt a little let down that everything he made originated from another country. I know that's what we do best as a nation, but I do hope that as I take up my challenge, I find some things that are truly British with heritage and interesting stories that also help us learn more about the history of our country - both in food, crafts and skills.
The Great British Food Revival, BBC
This was a great series, whereby ten of the BBC's best-known chefs and cooks tried to popularise traditional British produce. They spoke about the history of produce, seasons and provided inspiring dishes to try at home. A section of the BBC website still holds a lot of the advice and content from the programs, that's well worth a look.
This was a great series, whereby ten of the BBC's best-known chefs and cooks tried to popularise traditional British produce. They spoke about the history of produce, seasons and provided inspiring dishes to try at home. A section of the BBC website still holds a lot of the advice and content from the programs, that's well worth a look.
Forums
Cooking Friends
I am a 'friend' of the group 'Cooking Friends' on Facebook and am constantly inspired by the great recipes, tips and friendliness that's posted on a daily basis. I'm also hoping that I'll get most of my support and will to continue the challenge from the great people on here!
I am a 'friend' of the group 'Cooking Friends' on Facebook and am constantly inspired by the great recipes, tips and friendliness that's posted on a daily basis. I'm also hoping that I'll get most of my support and will to continue the challenge from the great people on here!
Websites
The wonderful Wikipedia
Where would we be without Wikipedia for all of our answers?! Providing lots of information about the history of food, and links to terms and further research information. Yes, you have to take what you read at first glance with a pinch of salt, but it's a great resource to use as a starting point.
Where would we be without Wikipedia for all of our answers?! Providing lots of information about the history of food, and links to terms and further research information. Yes, you have to take what you read at first glance with a pinch of salt, but it's a great resource to use as a starting point.
British newspaper archive
I could spend literally days scanning through the recipes and historic news about food and farming on here, but be careful - it comes at a price! Helping to ignite some debates, trends and fact it's been a hugely valuable source.
I could spend literally days scanning through the recipes and historic news about food and farming on here, but be careful - it comes at a price! Helping to ignite some debates, trends and fact it's been a hugely valuable source.
National awareness days
Marketing gone mad?... there seems to be a day for almost every item of food, and in part that's thanks largely to the marketing industries (I should know, I work in it!) however the support behind a lot of these days/weeks/months is often good, helping to raise awareness of produce at the right time, or ensuring that ethical values sit at the heart of the dates. So, this site although basic, provided me with all of the relevant key dates that I needed to start planning my year long Challenge calendar and has been an invaluable source.
http://www.national-awareness-days.com/
Marketing gone mad?... there seems to be a day for almost every item of food, and in part that's thanks largely to the marketing industries (I should know, I work in it!) however the support behind a lot of these days/weeks/months is often good, helping to raise awareness of produce at the right time, or ensuring that ethical values sit at the heart of the dates. So, this site although basic, provided me with all of the relevant key dates that I needed to start planning my year long Challenge calendar and has been an invaluable source.
http://www.national-awareness-days.com/
Abel & Cole
I have to admit that I've never actually ordered anything from Abel & Cole - but I've heard great things about the freshness and diversity of their seasonal, British produce and so will definitely be giving them a go this year. Even though I haven't used their services, I have been inspired and educated by their marketing leaflets that have come through the door. They have a really nice tone of voice, and make eating seasonally sound simple and enjoyable.
I have to admit that I've never actually ordered anything from Abel & Cole - but I've heard great things about the freshness and diversity of their seasonal, British produce and so will definitely be giving them a go this year. Even though I haven't used their services, I have been inspired and educated by their marketing leaflets that have come through the door. They have a really nice tone of voice, and make eating seasonally sound simple and enjoyable.