published-2013, food-glorious-food, fradio, nonfiction, radio-4, autumn-2013, history
Recommended for: Laura, Susanna, Wanda, Hayes, Carey
BBC BLURB: Heston Blumenthal's name is synonymous with cutting edge cuisine but his inspiration comes from the history of British cooking. In 'Historic Heston' he chooses twenty eight dishes which span from medieval times to the late 19th Century. He takes them apart, then puts them together again with his own inimitable twist, so creating a sublime 21st Century take on ancient delicacies. Written by Heston Blumenthal Read by Heston Blumenthal and Hugh Dennis
Abridged and produced by Jane Marshall A Jane Marshall production for BBC Radio 4.
1. Today's recipe comes from 'The Forme of Cury', the oldest extant cookbook in English, which was 'compiled of the chef Maister Cokes of kyng Richard the Secunde.'
2. Heston Blumenthal describes his version of the 1430 recipe for Pome Dores, a meat parfait disguised as fruit, first served at the feast to celebrate the coronation of Henry IV.
3. Heston Blumenthal admits that he found the 1660 recipe for quaking pudding irresistible. 'It is all about the quake.' But it is extraordinarily difficult to perfect.
4. Heston Blumenthal recounts the English obsession with pineapple, first introduced here at the time of Charles II, and he adds some to his 21st-century recipe for tipsy cake.
5. An avowed fan of Alice in Wonderland, Heston unveils the inspiration for one of his signature dishes, mock turtle soup, which first became popular in Britain in the 18th century.
Excellent listening.