Extra Sauce On The Side In London

Brrrr, this week has been the coldest week of the year so far in London. So chilly, that I need a hot drink in hand when walking outside just so I can feel my hands underneath my gloves. It goes without saying that the coldest days of February are the days when you opt for warm comfort food, like bangers and mash (mashed potatoes and sausages), rather than a summery salad. Gallons of soup and truckloads of toast for lunch are fine with me. Let's face it, the Brits are famous for many things, but weather and cuisine are not up there on the shortlist. While committing carbocide on a daily basis (to stay warm of course), I have discovered several English sauces or extra ingredients to add to your food...If you haven't tasted them already, these are a must try!

This tastes better than it looks, I promise!

Chutney 

Before my massive toast addiction (au revoir Atkins!), I had only ever eaten chutney with curry or Indian dishes. But a trip to The Mill shop in Droxford, has recently re-introduced me to the glory of homemade chutneys. You can eat chutney cold or hot, and it is usually served with meats, cheese, toast, or just straight out of the jar with a spoon! The options are endless, as you can make chutney from any vegetable, fruit, herb or spice. Whether you pair chutney with toast or on a roast, you simply cannot go wrong! If you cannot find a home-made chutney, try Branston's Sweet Pickle Sauce.

Branston Sweet Pickle Sauce

I tried Branston Sweet Pickle Sauce for the first time with a shepherd's pie earlier this year. This pickle-flavored relish is often served with a ploughman's lunch (buttered toast, cheese, cooked ham, and a pint of cider), which is a common menu item in most English pubs. Branston's has been gracing UK households since 1922 and is finger-licking good!

 

Lemon Curd

It’s hard to say whether you can label lemon curd as a snack or a pudding (the UK term for ‘dessert’), because it is a very sweet, smooth, and fruity lemon tasting condiment of sexy deliciousness. As you can tell, I just love the stuff! A quintessentially English afternoon tea wouldn’t be complete without lemon curd to slather on top of a warm scone. Since it is too cold to venture all the way to Fortnum & Mason for a 5 star afternoon tea, why not just spread lemon curd over toast for an excellent afternoon pick-me-up in the comfort of your own warm home? 

If you fancy the taste of lemon curd as much as I do, then try lemon curd flavored Yeo Valley organic yogurt. It’s like an orgasm in your mouth!

Britons have mixed views on Madonna, and it doesn't have to do with her Superbowl performance last weekend, or her on-again-off-again fake British accent. Apparently, Madge has publicly bad mouthed Marmite, announcing she cannot stand the stuff, which doesn't sit well with British Marmite lovers.

 

Marmite 

You either love Marmite or like Madge, you hate it. I have slowly learned to appreciate Marmite. Just remember, a tiny amount goes a very long way. Marmite on buttered toast is fabulous, especially if you are craving something salty. If you are a really big fan of Marmite, then try the Marmite flavoured oven baked cashew nuts…mmmm - these are the bomb dot com. 

 

I have yet to try it, but Bovril is a salty meat extract that can be spread on toast like Marmite. Bovril can also be made into a drink by diluting it with water, and is used as a flavoured broth for stews and soups. Bovril has been around since 1886, was a WWI war food stable, and sells 3.5 million jars in England a year. Bovril to the rescue right?

A WWI Bovril poster

 Salad Cream

It turns out that Heinz doesn't only produce the best ketchup in the world, it also produces a pretty fantastic condiment or thick salad dressing, known as Heinz Salad Cream. Who knew Heinz Salad Cream has been around for over 100 years? Not me, that's for sure. Heinz Salad Cream reminds me of a more condensed and vinegar tasting version of mayonnaise. It certainly gives prawns, sandwiches, salads, and crackers an extra 'kick.'

 Colman's Original English Mustard

I don't think I will ever be able to go back to American mustard after tasting the real stuff. Ok, I know mustard isn't necessarily a sauce, but it goes great with burgers and chips, and it just didn't seem right not to mention Colman's English Mustard. This powerful mustard was first introduced in 1814 and it is truly fit for a Queen. It even has a Royal Warrant from Queen Victoria as seen on the label. Take my word, like Marmite, a little bit of Colman's makes a large impact. I have been left teary eyed looking like a hysteric drag queen with mascara all over my face after a generous spoonful of Colman's on my chips (the UK term for 'fries'). Colman's certainly does cut the mustard - pun intended. 

Call me a condiment connoisseur if you will, but when your diet suddenly seems to mainly consist of toast and warm comfort food, you have to get creative and try some new ingredients. All the aforementioned English "extras" are UK household staples for a reason – they are freakin’ tasty! So stay toasty bundled up in your cashmere pajama bottoms on your cozy sofa, catch up on Gossip Girl, and take a bite out of a warm tasty snack topped with British brilliance.You will not regret it!