Sunday, September 12, 2010

Defining the Four Points Foodie - Project Food Blog

I want to take you on a journey of tastes and smells from a young girls perspective.   Imagine growing up in England and living in a very old home.   Each morning the Milk Man delivered several pints of milk and clotted cream to the front door.   Most afternoons, the Green Grocer stopped at the top of the street and everyone shopped for their fresh vegetables.   Milk and sugar in hot tea after school was one of the most comforting things waiting at home.   Sounds like the turn of the century but I'm that young girl and I'm only 44 years old.

Old English Pantry

I grew up in England and that's where my love of food began.   Our home was old and had a huge butler's pantry where I would spend hours playing.   It was dark paneled wood with a small window and I would grab a bowl and spoon and make all sorts of concoctions which I now know as marinades.  I would mix butter and sugar and eat it pretending it was a beautiful cake.   Nothing was off limits to me and I experimented freely and often.

Local English Green Grocer

My family traveled extensively throughout Europe and early on, I was introduced to many flavors and tastes.   By the time I was 6 I had developed a large palate and enjoyed parsnip puree, brussel sprouts, roasted cauliflower, pheasant, lamb, goose, and even rabbit.   There wasn't anything that I wouldn't try, though I may not eat it all or like it.   I think I fell in love with pate on toast points by the time I was 10 and by the age of 16, we would go to the Bear Hotel in Woodstock near Blenheim Palace and I would enjoy a six course meal.

Doorstep milk delivery

My parents entertained a great deal and I would always help out in the kitchen.   At first I would help bake, which lead to preparing most of the food, to serving and cleaning up.   My mother made it official by purchasing a Battenburg Lace apron that I wore when I worked.   I had so much fun, enjoyed the small talk while serving and began a recipe collection that I still have today!

English type tea in china cup

I have always believed in family dinner as it's all I knew growing up.   My father was intensely busy, but he made it home for most dinner and we always sat at a well set table.   35 years later so much has changed in our world, our schedules are dictated by tumbling and soccer, homework and cell phones.   Gone are the dinners with two plates, two forks and a dessert spoon a la Emily Post.   Most families eat on the run, at different times and rarely sit down together.   I miss it... and it's my desire to bring it back into fashion.

Scones with butter, jam and clotted cream

Did I mention that my husband and I have 5 children between the 2 of us?   Meal time at our home is joyous, loud, full of conversation, stories and laughter.   My husband and I work very hard to make our meals interesting but delicious which equates to a lot of recipes and creativity.   But we love it and my husband bought me a Family Recipe Book that I build with my own recipes for Christmas last year.

Beef Wellington

That love for food has spurred my food blog!   I thought that it would be a great platform to publish my recipes and get quality feedback, which is exactly what happened.   What surprised me is how my little food blog touches people from all around the world and that is has spurred new friendships which would have been completely impossible without it.   I feel like such a grounded person when I read comments on my blog from Thailand, Russia and Portugal.   It has definitely enhanced my life!

19 comments:

Whitney said...

Stacey, what fond memories! I can just smell your house now! :) Good luck in the contest, can't wait to read more from you!

The Coffee Break said...

I enjoyed reading your post and I wish you very best of luck!

Anonymous said...

I love you old photos from your time growing up in England. You background is quite interesting. Good luck in PFB!

Carolyn said...

Great post, I felt like I was back there in England with you! Lovely sentiment and the pictures really help give the sense you were trying to convey.

Fun and Fearless in Beantown said...

Good luck with PFB! I'm participating too and I'm looking forward to reading everyone's great blogs!

FOODalogue said...

Nice entry -- I like the black + white photos which seem fitting with the rreminisces. It's so interesting getting to meet so many people. Good luck in the challenge.

Unknown said...

Bravo! What a wonderful insight into your early years and what turned you into the person you are today. Thank you for sharing with us.

Anonymous said...

You had me at beef Wellington. :) Good luck in the competition - I'd like to see more families sitting down to dinner, too!

Sippity Sup said...

Great entry. I came to check out the competition and got so much more. The memories from your childhood are so honest and real. You look strong. Good Luck. GREG

Unknown said...

Enjoyed reading your post and love the vintage photos.
Voted for you & good luck :)

I would like to invite you to participate in my giveaway
http://atasteofkoko.blogspot.com/2010/08/mini-pistachio-tea-cakes-40.html

Here is my entry for PFB http://www.foodbuzz.com/project_food_blog/challenges/1/view/668

Gary Miller said...

Very descriptive memories of the times there Stacey. The milkman delivering before the crack of dawn, the grocer's van in the afternoon and the Bear Hotel at Woodstock, I too had some memorable meals there, and later on worked for the company that owned it. Keep up the good work.

Cheap Food Here said...

Great post and from the heart. You get my vote. Good luck!

Debbie said...

you got my vote!

Debbie said...

a big vote for you...

much luck in PFB!

Kimmy Bingham said...

Beautiful post! Good luck!

Jean said...

Beautiful post. It was very nice getting to know more about you. How fun and lively it must be to have five kids at the dinner table! My parents instilled in us the idea of eating together as a family and I also never forgot it. You've got my vote, too. :-)

Lindsay said...

Fantastic pictures!! I just gave you a vote! You can check out my entry here: http://tinyurl.com/2ec2hlq Thanks and Good Luck!

Unknown said...

I don't get enough opportunities to check out English cuisine. I'll make sure to swing by here more often. You've got one of our votes! Best of luck in PFB!

Lick My Spoon

Unknown said...

can I get a cup of tea?? voted for u...
if u wanna check out mine..you are very welcomed
http://www.foodbuzz.com/project_food_blog/challenges/1/view/263