#Gerald savory

[reading-plays-is-a-thing-we-do]

So back in late 2012, my wife and I auditioned for a local production of No Sex Please, We're British and were both cast. I played the old bank manager, Mr. Bromhead (I used stage makeup lol), and one of my lines referenced a play, George and Margaret, by Gerald Savory. And I did some Internet research and quickly discovered that this is a real play.

It was also around that time I decided to see how Inter-Library Loans worked, and so the very first thing I decided to see if I could find was a copy of this play. And sure enough, it was out there, they found a copy in a university library within the state.

What arrived was this old school "library edition" of the Samuel French script, published and printed in 1938 and long out of print.

Anyway, the lesson was that Inter-Library Loans are amazing and so I started using them a lot. I checked out plays consistently for three and a half years. So I read a whole lot of plays because I was able to check them out for free at the nearby public library.

I'm hoping to start doing that again.

[copperbadge]

Europeans, I have some questions.

Do you know what ambrosia salad is?

If so, is the version you know of a) a normal salad or b) a "dessert" salad?

Do you know what Dirt Cake is?

If so, is that common knowledge in your region?

(What country/region do you live in, other context you wish to add, etc)

I'm working on the new Shivadh novel and I underestimated the comedic potential of Simon, a classically trained French chef who has been cooking for European nobility for thirty years, trying to set a menu for a graduation party with Noah, your average American teenaged garbage disposal, and Eddie, who is literally based on Guy Fieri. Reminds me of the bit in Infinite Jes where Michaelis mentions that Eddie and Gerald had him judge a debate about Hot Pockets and then confesses he doesn't actually know what they are.

(Context for the end of the snippet -- Hugo and Gwen are Simon's brother and sister-in-law, Claude is his young nephew.)

"Huh, okay, so are we doing like a salad theme?" 

"How do you mean?" Noah asked.

"Oh, just, you've got a potato salad and a pasta salad. I'd suggest a Jello salad for dessert but..." Eddie broke off at Alanna's horrified look. "That is what you will see on everyone's face," he said to Noah, pointing at Alanna. 

"Not so, I could do an aspic," Simon protested. "Sweet or savory, very traditional -- not this nonsense from American cookbooks from sixty years ago."

"American nonsense is kinda my brand," Noah pointed out. "Uh, I don't think we realized we were building a giant salad course but I am into that, actually. I'd like to discuss the Jello Salad," he said, and Eddie crowed delightedly while Alanna blanched, so Simon had to mediate a good-natured but extensive debate about gelatin in sweet dessert salads. 

It was an education; when he showed Hugo and Gwen what Americans thought ambrosia salad was, later, their horror was gratifying. It was a fitting prelude to his next exhibit, the Dirt Cake pudding cup, which made Hugo pretend to faint but -- even better -- fascinated little Claude so much that he insisted he wanted them instead of a cake for his next birthday. 

"He'll forget by the time the birthday arrives," Simon assured Hugo, who pretended to mop a sweaty brow. "And if he doesn't, I can elevate this. A light coffee mousse with chocolate biscuits -- drizzle with a sweet wine reduction -- jellied candy flavored with dragonfruit and blackcurrant."

"Can we put bones in the dirt?" Claude asked, already exploring his terrible American dessert options on his tablet. 

"Not human," Gwen said hurriedly. "That's a bridge too far for a birthday party, my darling," she told Claude. 

"Dinosaur bones?" Claude asked hopefully. Gwen and Hugo both looked at Simon. 

"Meringue, or marzipan," Simon pronounced. "Yes, that could be done. Well, my little gravedigger, we will see," he told Claude, tousling his hair.

[usnatarchives]

A Culinary Journey Through Presidential History 🥪🍰🍽

Delving into the culinary history of the White House is a fascinating exploration of taste and tradition. This article embarks on a delicious journey through time, highlighting five remarkable recipes from the kitchens of past U.S. Presidents and First Ladies. These recipes not only offer a taste of history but also reflect the diverse palates and influences that have graced the Presidential table.

Bess Truman's Bing Cherry Mold

Bess Truman, known for her skill and style in the kitchen, contributed a variety of recipes that satisfied many. Among these, the Bing Cherry Mold stands out. This dessert, a perfect blend of sweetness and texture, reflects the simplicity and elegance of the Truman era. Truman had specific dietary preferences, famously disliking onions, and maintaining a healthy diet, but this dessert was a family favorite, indicating a balance between health and indulgence.

Rosalynn Carter's Plains Cheese Ring

Rosalynn Carter's Plains Cheese Ring is a savory delight that hails from the Southern culinary tradition. This cheese appetizer, named after the Carter's hometown in Georgia, is a testament to Rosalynn's commitment to bringing a touch of home to the White House. Its rich, creamy texture paired with the tang of sharp cheddar and the sweetness of strawberry preserves, offers a unique and memorable flavor experience.

Laura Bush's Cowboy Cookies

First Lady Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies are a testament to her Texas roots. These chunky, flavorful cookies, packed with oats, nuts, coconut, and chocolate chips, offer a hearty taste of the American Southwest. They were notably a part of her husband's Presidential campaign, symbolizing warmth and hospitality.

Dwight D. Eisenhower's Apple Pie

President Eisenhower was not only a leader but also an enthusiastic cook, particularly known for his apple pie. His version of this classic American dessert is said to be a delightful mix of sweetness and spice encased in a perfectly flaky crust. This pie represents Eisenhower's love for simple, home-cooked meals, a contrast to his high-profile public life.

Gerald Ford's Red Flannel Hash

Gerald Ford's Red Flannel Hash is a colorful, comforting dish that combines cooked beets, potatoes, and corned beef. This dish, with its vibrant red hue and hearty ingredients, is a nod to Ford's Midwestern roots and a symbol of the simple, wholesome American fare.

www.fordlibrarymuseum.gov/library/document/0126/1489765.pdf

Exploring these recipes is not just about the flavors and ingredients; it's a journey through the different eras of American history, each dish telling a story of the time and the people in the White House. From the elegance of Bess Truman's desserts to the rustic charm of Laura Bush's Cowboy Cookies, these recipes offer a delectable glimpse into the nation's past, one plate at a time.

Read more:

[irelandseyeonmythology]

I have been trying to find an answer online but I can't quite find what I'm looking for, if you don't mind can you help provide some insight?

Basically my question is did the medival people of Ireland honest to god believe in pseudo historical texts like the Book of invasions and related traditions. Like they believed in 6 waves of people coming to ireland under Christian cosmology.

Or was this more of a literary tradition for generally understood to be fictional or not quite accurate stories?

So it's been. Months. But if it's any consolation, this DID thoroughly haunt me!

I also cleared it with a colleague of mine who does work on like. Medieval Irish conceptions of history, so it's been vetted by Someone Who Is Not Me, at least the rough outline (I am NOT showing them my Tumblr, god forbid.)

And...for the most part? Yeah. They did. They sometimes argued FIERCELY over little details, like the Tuatha Dé coming in a cloud of mist or whether or not they burned their ships, or whether they were doing it to get away from Lugh. They cited texts that they thought were particularly authoritative, like the Holiest of the Holies, the now-lost Cín Domma Snechtai, they refuted other scribe's suggestions, sometimes very aggressively. I mean, you have scholars into the 20th century believing in this, at least to some extent or another, like Eoin MacNeill in his Phases of Irish History (1919) or T.F. O'Rahilly in his Early Irish History and Mythology (1946). Obviously not in terms of like. The Tuatha Dé as a supernatural race of people, but in the sense of what might best be described as extreme euhemerization, using these medieval texts as a way of trying to unveil a lost Irish pre-history. (It goes without saying this is NOT my approach and not how most of us approach the field, but it was quite common decades ago.)

Geoffrey Keating, in the 17th century, would write his History of Ireland, which used LGE as one of its key pieces of evidence in his attempt to hit back against less than savory accounts by anglophone scholars, of Irish history. "LOOK at our history, LOOK at our glorious past, LOOK at what we can do." It's imminently sympathetic, honestly. (Though Geoffrey shouldn't be taken to be credulous -- he explicitly says that Cath Fínntragha, for example, was not to be taken as a true historical account.) There's a bit, perhaps slightly amusing by modern standards, in his prologue where he says, "Cambrensis [Gerald of Wales], who undertook to give a correct account of everything, appears to have received a medley of fables from some dunce or blind man, for he has said nothing of the conquest of the Tuatha-De-Dananns, who possessed Ireland one hundred and ninety-seven years, during which time nine kings of their nation rules the island."

This is a man who does, firmly, believe in what he's saying and in the veracity of the sources that he has. We also see LGE and the pseudohistorical scheme in general being adopted by Keating's contemporaries, such as Dubhaltach mac Fhirbhisigh (Leabhar na nGenealach) and Roderic O'Flaherty (Ogygia), some of the best scholars of their day and men who...this is my bias speaking, but I trust them. Especially Dubhaltach. I don't have my copy to hand, but the way he speaks about his sources, the way that he's willing to argue with them even as he includes them in his work...I believe him. Or. Let me rephrase that. I believe that HE believed in what he was saying, and I believe in his integrity as a scholar. They're men who absolutely have an angle! But they're men who are using the sources that they have to defend their country from some truly awful slander using the best materials they have at the time, as methodically as possible.

Charles O'Conor, one of the, in my opinion, crucially overlooked scholars of the 18th century, a man who the field owes a massive debt to for his activism and his large collection of manuscripts (some of which, through a story I'll tell sometime if anyone's interested, become the Stowe Collection), was skeptical, saying that Keating's work, "Is a most injudicious Collection; the historical part is degraded by the fabulous, with which it abounds. Keating was one of those laborious Readers, who, in making Extracts, do it without Selection or Discernment; and suchWorks (as the judicious Mac-Firbis observes -- ought never to be published." Personally, while I appreciate boosting Dubhaltach and his work, I think he's too harsh on Keating. It's very easy to judge someone's scholarship when you're living a century ahead of them. He is much more skeptical than Keating, trying to compare native sources up against other contemporary histories of Europe, but he DOES still use LGE as a vital source -- he doesn't discount it or its invasion scheme entirely. He is still very much treating it as a historical document, albeit one that he doesn't fully believe in. (Especially since he's kind of fighting with James MacPherson, of Ossian fame. Because apparently getting into massive public debates with people whose work is enjoying a lot of popularity and that we think involves shoddy research is a time honored tradition in the field.)

But there is a reason why it gets picked up, even into the 20th century, because when you've had your history continually belittled and marginalized, when your language has been driven to the point of near extinction, when you are constantly told that you don't HAVE anything worth being proud of, not compared to the Grand History of England or the classical tradition, that you're a nation of barbarians and beggars...of course you want to believe in it. Of course you want to believe that you can salvage SOMETHING. Especially since these are your ancestors saying it. Your ancestors, reaching across this seemingly insurmountable chasm of time, telling you "look, this is your history." Do I think everyone in medieval Ireland agreed with it? Probably not. There was probably at least one person who was like "well...do we KNOW, though?" In the same way as there were very likely people who thought "King Arthur...did he exist?" Or those oddballs in the modern day who claim the Roman Empire didn't exist. There are always going to be people who are a little skeptical, even of what are the generally accepted truths of a certain time period, but I would say that in general? The trend we see is broad belief, because this is the best historical source that people had for centuries -- they had no reason to strongly doubt it, even if they argued over the details.

[arewordsenough]

Tagged by @ksbbb

Last song u listened to: 'Everything In Its Right Place' - Radiohead

Last book I read: 'The Squire, His Knight, and His Lady' - Gerald Morris

Last film: Poor Things

Last tv show: Mr. & Mrs. Smith (highly, highly recommend)

Last video game: Honkai Impact: Star Rail

Last thing I googled: Among Us cast so far

Last thing I ate: Cheetos

sweet, savory, or spicy: sweet

Currently Watching: 3 Body Problem

Currently reading: I plead the 5th

Amount of sleep? 5 hours (which is the average lately >.>)

Tagging... @thrillhoues, @wolfboy88, @mmoosen, @chasing-chimeras, and... @letthestorieslive

[thomas-mvller]

Tag games variety ✨

SO I've been tagged in a looot of games for the past couple of months and i've finally decided to stop procrastinating and just get the job done. APOLOGIES FOR THE DELAY!

Tagging: @youknowitsworthfightingfor @thommi-tomate @miasanmuller @gxtzeizm @acrazybayernfan and whoever would like to do one of these! just say i tagged you and go :))

Here we go!

Rules: bold the sentence that's true to you

i’m over 5'5 / i wear glasses or contacts / i have blonde hair / i often wear sweatshirts / i prefer loose clothing over tight clothes / i have one or two piercings / i have at least one tattoo / i have blue eyes / i have dyed or highlighted my hair / i have or have had braces / i have freckles / i paint my nails / i typically wear makeup / i don’t often smile / resting bitch face / i play sports / i play an instrument / i know more than one language / i can cook or bake / i like writing / i like to read / i can multitask / i’ve never dated anyone / i have a best friend i’ve known for over five years / i am an only child

/////

Rules: Go to Pinterest and search:

"Celebrity".

"Outfit".

"Quote".

"Aesthetic".

Quote the first pic that appears, it's your vibe.

I thought this was fun because it fit like a glove but then it hit me I don't have a pinterest account and this is absurdly specific so HMMMMM

/////

Last song: I live to fall asleep - Manic street preachers

Favorite color: red, black and teal

Last movie: Irma la douce (1963)

Last TV show: I'm more of a movie girlie tbh, can't even remember the last show i watched :o

Relationship status: single

Sweet/Savory/Spice: savory > spice > salty >>>>>>> sweet

Last thing I googled: if I could put grapes with seeds on the blender JAJAJJA

Current obsession: scary games gameplays on ytb. I don't even play videogames but they're fun!

/////

Rules: ✨Let’s do something fun! I wanna see the top 6 photos of your fave, these are mine! ✨

I've said it once and i'll say it again: "legend" falls short with my king 👑

/////

Okay so I was tagged to share 9 of my favorite books and please don't hate me for this but I'm not really a reader??? I mean i do read once in a while but I don't think I could write down a list of favourites, let alone nine 😵 now don't hate me again but to make it up I'll list 9 of my favorite book based movies hehe

gerald's game (2017) - adapted from a 1992 novel by stephen king

metropolis (1927) - adapted from a 1925 science fiction novel by thea von harbou

silence of the lambs (1991) - adapted from a 1988 novel by thomas harris

lord of the rings: the two towers (2002) - based on 1954's The Two Towers, the second volume of the novel The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien (copied from wiki hehe)

kiki's delivery service (1989) - based on the 1985 novel of the same name by eiko kadono

jackie brown (1997) - based on a 1992 novel by elmore leonard

freaky friday (2003) - based on a 1972 novel by mary rodgers

to kill a mockingbird (1962) - based on a 1960 novel by horton foote

when marnie was there (2014) - based on a 1967 novel by joan g. robinson

/////

Cosmic Persona Quiz 💫💫

Link to the quiz

I think this wasn't the right time to take this quiz because at the moment i am indeed living on the edge HOWEVER i disagree with flattery because i hate compliments JAJAJJA but anyway this was cute!

/////

little cute tag game 🥹

Here's what I've made 🫶

I am so framing this omggg

/////

Rules: list five songs you've been vibing with lately

When the lights go out - naked eyes

Taxi to heaven - pray for rain

Arrows and eyes - noriko miyamoto

baker street - undercover

kimi ni mune kyun - yellow magic orchestra

Have a nice weekend everyone! 😊

[evenaturtleduck]

Tagged by @river-gale

Last song I listened to: Everybody Talks by Neon Trees

Last book I read: Gerald Poole and the Pirates by Johannes T. Evans (highly recommend!!!)

Last movie I watched: The Princess Bride

Last TV show I watched: I don't remember

Last thing I googled: foothills parkway

Last thing I ate: Slice of leftover ham, half an egg and sausage omelet, the rest of an apple that Oldest Child started and then didn't want to finish (last morning at a vacation cabin and was trying to use up all the perishables before we packed up the car)

Currently reading: Paladin's Faith by T. Kingfisher (also started reading Ombria in Shadow by Patricia McKillip but was super not in the headspace for her style, which feels less like reading a book and more like contemplating a medieval triptych about an obscure saint--I love her but vacation brain cannot do it)

Amount of sleep: over 8 (because vacation)

Sweet, savory, or spicy: sweet

Tagging: @a-dash-in-the-middle , @aurorawest , @glaucuspacificus , @ace-din-djarin , and @ossified-hypothesis (no pressure y'all--just if it sounds fun!)

[autolenaphilia]

Count Dracula (1977)

The 1977 BBC tv film Count Dracula might be the best adaptation of Stoker’s novel.

Other adaptations like the 1931, 1958 and 1992 films might have claims to be better as films, but as adaptations they largely ignore the novel in various ways. The 1992 film adapts perhaps a lot of scenes from the novel, but in its storyline, it is more of an adaptation of The Mummy from 1932 than of Stoker’s book. And the 1931 and 1958 films called Dracula are rightfully regarded as peaks of vampire horror movies, but are very unfaithful to the novel.

The 1977 BBC film however is remarkably faithful, with Gerald Savory’s script taking a lot of dialogue straight from the book. There are changes of course, the largest of which is probably the removal of Arthur Holmwood, whose character is instead merged into Quincey, to save time and simplify the film’s character list. There are others changes, like how Mina and Lucy are sisters, and Dracula looks the same throughout and has no moustache.

Yet the 1977 film is probably the film adaptation most based in the book. The film’s length of 2 and a half hours helps in conveying the scope of the book. This faithfulness is to its advantage, as the novel’s characters are usually more interesting than the pop cultural versions of them.

Renfield in this movie is probably the best movie version of the character. It spends time on making him a complex and sympathetic character. It gives him a genuine character arc, where he falls under Dracula’s spell but out of care for Mina rebels against Dracula’s hold on him and pays the ultimate price. Actor Jack Shepard’s portrayal is excellent. Most movie versions cut the character or just make Renfield a creepy bug-eating weirdo, and the 1977 version, by taking more of the character from the novel makes him actually interesting.

The acting and the rather faithful to the novel portrayal of the characters is this version’s greatest strength.

Irish actor Bosco Hogan as Jonathan Harker has an unfortunately 1970s hairstyle, but manages to create a close to definitive performance as Harker. He manages to convey this dynamic character’s whole register, from charming naivety at the story’s start, to haggard traumatized suffering to the fiery determined Jonathan of the story finale.

Frank Finlay as Van Helsing is another definitive portrayal. He truly feels like the Van Helsing of the book, silly fake Dutch accent and all.

Judi Bowker as Mina Harker is also close to definitive. She portrays Mina as a woman who is compassionate and kind yet her kindness is also a strength of spirit, which enables her to resist Dracula’s vampirism. She gets to save Jonathan by shooting his attacker in the film’s climax.

I also like Susan Penhaligon as Lucy Westenra, who conveys a likeable Lucy, and you do feel for her when she is victimized and turned into a monster by Dracula.

Richard Barnes as Quincey has a terrible American cowboy accent, it’s the epitome of an English actor trying to have an American accent. But like with Van Helsing its awfulness feels oddly accurate to how Stoker wrote it, as funny as that sounds. He is a goofy character because of that terrible cowboy accent, almost comic relief, although it’s nice to have Quincey in a Dracula adaptation for once. He is usually left out of adaptations, because the cowboy in a gothic horror feels out of place. Here Arthur has been merged into Quincey, which if anything is the opposite of how most adaptations do it, usually cutting Quincey and keeping Arthur if he is around.

Louis Jourdan as Dracula is an interesting take on the character. Jourdan goes for a suave and handsome Dracula, compared to the book, he doesn’t even de-age into attractiveness. I’m not attracted to men, but I can sense his charisma. And this well-spoken and handsome Dracula probably is attractive to a lot of people. I can barely believe that Jourdan was in his mid 50s when the film was made, he looks at least 15 years younger.

Yet it works, because underneath the charm Jourdan’s Dracula is fundamentally the same character as the book Dracula. He is not a sympathetic misunderstood Byronic hero. Underneath his handsome and suave exterior he is the same monster, selfish and destructive. Jourdan manages to convey a genuine air of menace even when he is being soft-spoken and suave. He exudes a threatening air of complete confidence when he speaks, like he is just playing with his food by having an erudite conversation with his future victim. He can charm and seduce people, but only to destroy them. It’s good acting by Jourdan and a great take on the character.

The film is a tv movie, and it certainly looks cheap compared to some theatrical productions. It’s visibly 70s British tv. The sets really do look like sets, and the switch to video for location shoots is obvious. This movie is uploaded to youtube a lot and youtube compression makes it look absolutely terrible, yet even my dvd copy does show its age and origin.

Yet Philip Saville’s direction is intelligent and tries to do some visually interesting things. There are some nice shots that add to the gothic atmosphere. And there is an attempt to do new things with the TV format, like a POV shaky cam shot, which was probably unusual for TV in 1977. Some of its experiments do fail, like the negative images used to convey the supernatural of Dracula’s power. But the film tries to be visually interesting within the limitations of 70s TV

Overall Count Dracula is a success. It is not the most visually exciting adaptation, but it tries its best within the budget limitations. The overall faithfulness to the novel of the script and the high level of the acting means the characters are more compelling than most pop culture versions of Dracula. Again, there might be better films based on Dracula, but this is probably the best actual adaptation.

[bee-barnes-author]

9 people you want to get to know better

Thanks @hd-literature for the tag!

Favorite color: I fucking love blue. You can show me just about any shade of blue and I'll fall in love with it.

Currently reading: i'm reading like 4(?) books rn. American Gods by Neil Gaiman, the purple acotar book (court of mists and fury i think?), Gerald's Game by Stephen King, and Babel by R.F. Kuang

Last song: I refuse to narrow down to the last song so here's the playlist I was listening to.

Last movie: The Wrong Missy. We watched this at the request of my sibling on their birthday recently. It wasn't bad, but it also wasn't the best movie I've ever seen. It did get a few genuine laughs out of me though.

Sweet, savory or spicy: I love them all equally. It just depends on the mood I'm in lol

Currently working on: The Beast in the Glass House, a spicy supernatural horror thriller in which handsome, rich CEO, and Alpha werewolf, Damon Grayson becomes the worst version of himself to ensure his soulmate accepts their mating bond, even if she initially doesn't want it. Comparable to books like 'You' by Caroline Kepnes and 'The Perfect Girlfriend' by Karen Hamilton. The first draft just hit 46k words today, with the end goal of 79k. Almost there!

I'll tag @writeblr-of-my-own @junypr-camus @vsaintsin @leahkentwriter @ellierenae @sirensatyr @ibeaky/@following-the-drum @em-dash-press @stellarosamarys

[ignis-venenatus]

"Well, actually mochi can be sweet or savory so it can be eaten as a dessert or a snack. There are some people who might also eat it as a part of a meal,"

Natsu would smile as he talked about food with Gerald. He'd only heard bits and pieces about how much the younger male loved food before actually meeting him like this. Ink must have mentioned his cooking at some point and Gerald overheard her. Not that it bothered the Fire Dragon. He positively loved to cook and he loved when people enjoyed his cooking as well.

"Dango is typically a snack, but it can also be sweet or savory. Flavor can be added to the rice flour before it's steamed to give it a bit of oomph. Most people tend to just make it lightly sweetened by adding some sort of sugar to the dipping sauce though."

Dango was a treat that most people didn't often get to enjoy which was one of the reasons that the Fire Dragon would make it so often. He'd typically take a few dozen dango sticks to the guild hall and pass them out to those who enjoyed them. He wasn't the type of person to force someone to try them if they didn't want to, either. After hearing that Jaron liked lasagna or sea food, the fire user would grin once more.

"Sea food huh? What about a sea food stew or soup? You think he'd like something like that? I can always whip up both and some lasagna if you think it'd be better that way. I don't mind!"

@demon-blood-youths (moved from here to the beta editor)

[siena-sevenwits]

Thanks for the tag, @informedimagining! (I'm thewatercolours, but I'm going to answer over here at my main blog, since that one is my King's Quest blog. I am going to set myself the challenge of answering only in quotations.)

Favorite Colour:

She clad herself in a russet gown, She was no longer Lady Clare: She went by dale, and she went by down, With a single rose in her hair. - "Lady Clare," Alfred Lord Tennyson

Currently Reading:

“The main herd of camels, consisting of six females, was led and ruled by Big Bill, a huge animal with overstuffed humps like a French arm-chair, great plus-fours of curls on his legs, and an expression of such sneering superiority that you longed for him to trip over something and fall down. He would stand towering over you, his belly rumbling, squeaking his long, greeny-yellow teeth together and staring at you with a disbelieving disgust as though you were a child murderer or something similarly obscene.” ― Gerald Durrell, Beasts in My Belfry

Last song to which I listened:

"Well, a drop of Nelson's blood wouldn't do us any harm,

and we'll all hang on behind!"

- "Roll the Old Chariot Along;" Traditional

Last TV Episode I Watched:

“Poirot and I were expecting our old friend Inspector Japp of Scotland Yard to tea. We were sitting round the tea-table awaiting his arrival. Poirot had just finished carefully straightening the cups and saucers which our landlady was in the habit of throwing, rather than placing, on the table. He had also breathed heavily on the metal teapot, and polished it with a silk handkerchief. The kettle was on the boil, and a small enamel saucepan beside it contained some thick, sweet chocolate which was more to Poirot’s palate than what he described as ‘your English poison’.” ― Agatha Christie, Hercule Poirot: The Complete Short Stories

Last movie I watched:

“When I said I would die a bachelor, I did not think I should live till I were married.” ― William Shakespeare, Much Ado About Nothing

sweet, savory, or spicy:

"Once you get a spice in your home, you have it forever. Women never throw out spices. The Egyptians were buried with their spices. I know which one I'm taking with me when I go." - Erma Bombeck

currently working on:

“There are three rules for writing a novel. Unfortunately, no one knows what they are.” ― W. Somerset Maugham

[jhscomics]

These Lipton Onion Potatoes are a flavorful and easy side dish perfect for any meal. The combination of onion soup mix and Parmesan cheese gives the potatoes a delicious savory flavor.

Ingredients: 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed. 1 packet Lipton Onion Soup Mix. 1/4 cup olive oil. 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Salt and pepper to taste.

Instructions: Preheat oven to 400F 200C. In a large bowl, mix together the cubed potatoes, Lipton Onion Soup Mix, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese until well coated. Spread the potatoes evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy, stirring halfway through. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Gerald Cook

[thxnews]

Delving Deep into Wigan's Esteemed Chip Culture

In the heart of Greater Manchester lies Wigan, a town that's not just steeped in history but also in a rich, culinary tradition that has become a cornerstone of its identity: the venerable chip culture. As a 57-year-old British male with a penchant for exploring the nuances of our nation's gastronomic delights, I find Wigan's chip culture particularly fascinating, not just for its flavors but for what it represents in the broader tapestry of British culinary heritage.  

Mad Dogs Pub Fish 'n' Chips. Photo by H. Michael Karshis. Flickr.  

The Roots of Wigan's Chip Affection

A Historical Perspective The genesis of Wigan's love affair with chips is as hearty as the dish itself. Moreover, it dates back to the early 19th century, rooted in the town's coal mining legacy. The hardy coal miners of yore would carry these fried potato pieces as a vital source of sustenance into the mines. This practical meal has since evolved into a symbol of local pride and communal identity. It's a testament to how the simplest foods can often carry the weightiest significance in our social fabric.   A Unique Serving Tradition What sets Wigan apart isn't just its dedication to preserving this tradition but the distinctive way the chips are served - generously smothered in gravy or mushy peas. It's a ritual that transforms the humble potato into a dish that's both comforting and emblematic of the town's culinary ethos.  

Mr. Chips. Photo by Gerald England. Geograph.  

The Evolution of Chip Making

From Tradition to Innovation The art of chip making has its roots in ancient civilizations, with the Incas and Aztecs pioneering early versions of this snack. However, the modern chip as we know it today underwent a significant transformation in the United States before making its way back across the Atlantic. This journey underscores the global influences that have shaped our local food traditions.   Embracing New Techniques Today, chip making is an amalgamation of tradition and innovation. Health-conscious trends have ushered in methods like air frying and vacuum frying, allowing for chips that are not only tasty but also more nutritious. The incorporation of diverse ingredients such as quinoa and lentils speaks to a willingness to adapt and evolve while maintaining the essence of what makes chips so beloved.  

Field of Wigan potatoes that are ready to harvest. Photo by J Thomas. Wikimedia.  

Sustainability in Chip Production

In an era where environmental consciousness is paramount, the chip industry, including those in Wigan, is not immune to the call for more sustainable practices. This shift towards eco-friendly production methods is not just a nod to global trends but a necessary step in ensuring that this culinary tradition can continue for generations to come without compromising our planet.  

A Taste of Wigan: A Personal Anecdote

I recall a visit to Wigan some years ago, where I had the pleasure of sampling these famed chips, doused in a rich, savory gravy that was nothing short of divine. It was a reminder of the simple pleasures in life and how food, especially dishes as humble as chips, can evoke a sense of place and belonging. It was a dish that, in its simplicity, encapsulated the warmth and resilience of the town and its people.  

Traditional Fish and Chips in King Street West, Wigan. Photo by Gene Hunt. Flickr.  

Why Wigan's Chips Matter

Wigan's chips are more than just a local delicacy; they are a cultural artifact that embodies the town's history, its struggles, and its victories. They represent a culinary tradition that has withstood the test of time, adapting to changing tastes and technologies without losing its essence. Whether you're a devotee of the classic salt and vinegar or you're inclined towards the adventurous curry sauce, Wigan's chips offer a taste of tradition and innovation in every bite.  

A Call to Culinary Exploration

Wigan's journey from a mining town to a bastion of chip culture is a narrative that invites reflection on the broader themes of tradition, innovation, and sustainability in our culinary practices. Additionally, as we look to the future, let us not forget the lessons embedded in these simple, fried potatoes: that food is a reflection of our collective history, a source of communal pride, and a canvas for innovation. Furthermore, it prompts us to consider the interplay between cultural heritage and culinary evolution. So, I extend an invitation to you, dear reader, to explore the rich tapestry of British culinary traditions, starting with a visit to Wigan. There, amidst the clatter of chip shops, you'll find a dish that's as much a part of Britain's cultural heritage as it is a testament to the enduring spirit of its people.   Sources: THX News & Olive Magazine. Read the full article

[therollinghorse]

* TAG NINE some PEOPLE YOU WANT TO GET TO KNOW BETTER !

favorite color: a nice sage-y green or crimson!

currently reading: Editors on Editing (collection of essays, edited by Gerald Gross)

last song: Stick Season by Noah Kahan ( a delightful song to listen to while driving)

last series: Rings of Power (its pretty good but I have my qualms)

last movie: the 60s version of the parent trap

sweet / spicy / savory: savory for suuuuure

currently working on: writing my honors thesis!

tagged by: @huachicken thank you! :)

[thisbluespirit]

Dracula adaptions watched: Count Dracula (BBC TV 1977), dir. Philip Saville; adapted by Gerald Savory.

“I believe there is a monster in our midst. Who it is, or where it comes from, or what form it takes, I know not. But of one thing I am certain: we must find out. Even then, heaven knows if we are in time to stop it.”

Starring Louis Jourdan, Judi Bowker, Susan Penhaligon, Bosco Hogan, Mark Burns, Jack Shephard, Richard Barnes, Ann Queensberry, and Frank Finlay.

[mariocki]

Hammer House of Horror: Rude Awakening (1.3, ITC, 1980)

"Oh my God, no!"

"Such a pretty little tune."

"Help me! Help me!"

"I can't help you, Mr. Shenley: you see, I'm dead. Aren't you?"