Fun with English Cuisine ..

So one of the first questions I get from home when asked how I'm finding it here is 'How is the food?'.   All in all the every day food you'd find in the grocery store is going to be the same type of stuff you'd find in the States, although the brands are different or you may find different variety.  I do like that there are a lot of specialty shops within the neighbourhoods, so you can get fresh breads, cheeses, meats, seafood or fruits/veggies from a small local shop.  There is also a great range of ethnic foods to choose from and much of it is very authentic and very well made.  Excellent Indian food, great pizzas and kebabs!

While I will say there are some odd combinations of ingredients, I guess its all down to your tastes really.  So I say, don't knock it 'till ya try it!  I have included some traditional English dishes here for your perusal, tell me what you think:

Toad in the Hole: This is a traditional English dish of sausages and Yorkshire pudding (which is a type of pastry bread bowl) usually served with vegetables and gravy.  You can find the recipe here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/toadinthehole_83871

Cheese & Pickle Sandwich: This is just what it sounds like and is a very common selection on any Pub menu.  It consists of a slice of thick cheddar cheese with either pickles or pickled onions.  This is one of the Brits favourite sandwich selections.

Fish & Chips : You can't have a list of British food without including fish and chips!  This is definitely a common choice both within the pubs and restaurants but also at many of the take away spots.   This is typically Cod fish fried into a big greasy mess and served with a huge helping of chips (or fries).  In my opinion you have been short changed if your order doesn't also come with a good helping of green mushy peas (which is basically green peas mushed up to look like a green version of mashed potatoes). 

Sunday Roast : Traditional meal served at lunchtime or in the afternoon on Sunday, not unlike any families Sunday dinner.  In the traditional sense it usually consists of some form of roasted meat, roasted potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, gravy and vegetables. It's not necessarily a specific meal but you hear the term a lot and this makes up the general components.

Traditional English Breakfast : Eggs, bacon, sausage, fried bread and wait for it .... baked beans. 

Bangers and Mash : Bangers are sausages, so this is basically sausages with mashed potatoes. 

The Pasty: This is a flaky pastry filled with different ingredients of meat, veggies, cheese and gravy depending on your tastes.  It comes out looking like a flaky calzone and is actually quite tasty.  

Chip Sandwich:  This is basically a sandwich that is made from putting chips (french fries) into a bread roll with either ketchup, brown sauce or just plain butter.  I've never had one but sounds like a carb load huh?

Sausage Rolls: Basically a flaky pastry wrapped around a sausage, coated with egg and baked.  Its a savory food that is easy to grab and go and you'll see them quite often at take-away places.

Spotted Dick: This is a dessert with pieces of dried fruit, usually served with custard - don't ask me about the name!

Pimms: Typical English summer drink.  Pimms is usually served with pieces of various fresh fruits and lemonade but there are lots of varieties of how it can be prepared.