British
Sherry Pimm's Cup
The Brits live on easy-drinking Pimm's in warmer weather. For a bit more character, we add dry Sherry to the mix.
By Mary Frances Heck
Non-Evil Turkish Delight
Worth It
If you're anything like us, the first thing you think of when you hear "Turkish delight" is Edmund, the jerky younger brother from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe who's plied with Turkish delight by the evil White Queen. We never really had this candy growing up, and so it has a bit of a magical association. How could something be so good that it would cause you to betray your family?
Well, to be fair, the queen's Turkish delight was actually magical—we can't promise the same for this. But we can promise a delightfully soft and chewy sweet that's better than any store-bought version you've encountered. Rosewater is the traditional flavoring, and is available at many specialty and gourmet stores, but feel free to replace it with the same amount of whatever pure extract you like, such as orange or vanilla.
Do note that this recipe requires expert timing (don't worry: that doesn't mean you have to be fast as lightning)—read it through a couple of times before you start! It's not a difficult recipe, but if you don't have a good idea of how everything gets put together before you begin, it's easy to bamboozle yourself in the middle. Be a good Scout and be prepared!
By Liz Gutman and Jen King
Fish and Chips
We owe the Brits big time for this classic pub dish. The beer batter highlights the freshness of the fish while also creating a light and crispy coating. Serve these with the accompanying homemade “chips” and watch as adults and children alike flock for seconds, thirds, and fourths.
Pinhead Oat-Crusted Catfish, Roasted Cauliflower and Mustard Greens, and Lemon Cream
Pinhead oats, which are similar to steel-cut oats but contain some oats that are ground finer, like flour, make a foolproof crunchy-crisp gluten-free crust for pan-fried fish. You can exchange the catfish for just about any common white fish here—use a lower heat level under the pan and a longer cooking time for thicker fillets. Some good options include U.S. farmed tilapia, ocean perch, Pacific halibut, and line-caught Atlantic cod. Wild salmon would also be delicious—just be sure to avoid overcooking it.
By Liana Krissoff
English Eccles Cake
It's likely that Mrs. Hughes and Mr. Carson were raised on this popular Victorian dessert, and Mrs. Patmore would have no problem reintroducing this to her staff. It's likely that, when enjoying this dish, Mrs. Hughes and Mr. Carson, usually so stoic, would experience intense nostalgia for their childhoods. Of course, they'd be careful to shield their intense feelings from the rest of the staff!
By Emily Ansara Baines
Crispy Roast Duck with Blackberry Sauce
While entertaining guests, the Earl of Grantham might perhaps offer a bit of hunting—should the weather permit. Although fowl such as pheasants or wild game like hare might be preferred, should a guest kill a mallard or some other duck, it would not go to waste. Mrs. Patmore could certainly use the duck in a fine recipe such as this one to offer the guests a taste of their own hunting prowess.
By Emily Ansara Baines
Mrs. Patmore's London Particular
The thick fogs that engulfed London until the mid to late 1950s for which this soup is named would not be unknown to the Crawley family. Matthew, a London native, would especially enjoy this hearty ham and pea soup, as it would remind him of his childhood home.
By Emily Ansara Baines
Vegetable Shepherd's Pie
Lentils and fresh and dried mushrooms give this vegetarian casserole its meaty character. You can prepare most of it in advance and bake it just before your guests arrive.
By Mary Frances Heck and Kay Chun
Arya's Snitched Tarts
She filched one anyway, and ate it on her way out. It was stuffed with chopped nuts and fruit and cheese, the crust flaky and still warm from the oven. Eating Ser Amory's tart made Arya feel daring. Barefoot surefoot lightfoot, she sang under her breath. I am the ghost in Harrenhal. —A Clash of Kings
By Chelsea Monroe-Cassel and Sariann Lehrer
Sweet Lavender Scones
These flaky scones can be made the morning of your party.
By The Bon Appétit Test Kitchen
Scottish Rabbit Curry
Okay, rabbit is a traditional meat and curry is a classic sauce, but who knew they went together? Of course, in curry-crazy Britain, you shouldn't be surprised. Traditionally, this dish is called a Scottish curry, but it's really just a British rabbit stew with curry added.
By Brian Yarvin
Beef Tea
Beef "tea?" Is that like beef broth? Well, kind of. It's a dish that goes back in time to the days when the British were trying to find the essence of what gave beef its nutritional value. Since this was before vitamins and protein were known, they weren't sure what they were looking for. Along the way, somebody noticed that this very mild liquid was soothing and comforting. Give it a try when you're feeling under the weather, but don't go looking for a scientific reason for its effectiveness.
For steeping the "tea," you will need a 1-quart wide-mouth glass jar or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid.
By Brian Yarvin
Whole-Wheat Scones
Here's a whole-grain update of that longtime British favorite, the scone. Serve it with hot tea at any time of the day or evening.
By Brian Yarvin
Julia Dunlinson’s Potato Griddle Scones
These British scones, created by the mother of Martha Stewart Living design director James Dunlinson, resemble small, thick pancakes.
Currant Scones
We used sanding sugar on the tops; granulated sugar works just as well. The scones are best eaten the day they are made, but they will keep up to 2 days in an airtight container at room temperature. This recipe was developed by Emily Donahue for Rosey’s Coffee and Tea in Hanover, New Hampshire.
Dried Apricot and Sage Scones
When baked, these scones can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 1 month.