Whilst we all experience hunger, most of us will fortunately never experience significant food shortages or deprivation (although I’m aware that I’m writing this post at a time of great uncertainty about Brexit and the possible implications – for food and a variety of other matters – should we end up with a ‘no deal’). Continue reading “War-time hunger”
Tag: Second World War
Life after Life 5: Almond Choc-Chip Cake
They were eating cake, almond speckled with chopped-up pieces of chocolate, an old recipe of Mrs Glover’s handed down on a piece of paper that was covered in greasy fingerprints. (2 September 1939, page 303)
One of the things I like so much about cooking is the idea of food as a legacy, as something that is passed down through the generations over time. And of course the way in which that manifests itself is through recipes – through writing down how to make something to eat, the joy and pleasure of food can be transmitted from person to person, from age to age. Continue reading “Life after Life 5: Almond Choc-Chip Cake”
Life After Life 2: Schwarzwalder Kirschtorte (Black Forest Gateau)
‘Es schneit’ she said. ‘It’s snowing.’ He glanced out of the window as if he hadn’t noticed the weather. He was eating Palatschinken. They looked good but when the waiter came bustling over she ordered Schwarzwalder Kirschtorte to eat with her hot chocolate. It was delicious. (December 1930, page 597)
With its setting of 1910 – 1967, Life After Life is dominated by war, particularly the Second World War since the protagonist, Ursula, is 29 when it breaks out. Continue reading “Life After Life 2: Schwarzwalder Kirschtorte (Black Forest Gateau)”
A literary compendium of 20th century English food
I don’t usually reread modern fiction – classics are quite a different matter – but this week I’ve been rereading Kate Atkinson’s Life after Life.
Continue reading “A literary compendium of 20th century English food”