Question: What does an elderly person (Mum, age 89) and a jet lagged person (me) have in common?  Answer:  An erratic sleeping pattern.  

This was evident while drinking tea at 3am with my Mum and having a grand old chat about random stuff including where “sirloin” (as in the  beef cut) got its name.  It was during this rendezvous that I learned King Henry VIII loved a particular cut of beef so much that he named it “Sir Loin”.  My Mum is full of random facts and I have no idea if it is true but I’m going with it.

While I am on the subject of beef…. Today I enjoyed a British Roast Lunch at the Angel and Harp pub.   A Sunday Roast is a British tradition and believed to date back to 1485 with the Royal Guards becoming known as “Beefeaters” due to their love of roast beef.  Historically families would put a meat joint and vegetables in the oven before church and come home to a perfectly roasted meal, It’s still a popular tradition in the UK and I love the fact it brings families together especially in these modern busy times.  

Before leaving on this trip I was asked what I was most looking forward to eating in the UK and a roast lunch was top on the list. 

Key Components of a Traditional Roast:

    • Meat: Roast beef is iconic and my favorite, but chicken, pork (with crackling), and lamb are popular alternatives.

    • Yorkshire Pudding: A savory batter pudding made of eggs, flour, and milk, essential for soaking up gravy.

    • Roast Potatoes:  Parboiled then roasted in hot fat (dripping or oil) until crispy.

    • Vegetables: Commonly roasted parsnips, carrots, boiled greens (cabbage, broccoli), and frequently cauliflower cheese.

    • Gravy: A sauce made from the pan juices of the meat. (Not stodgy like I have had in the US).

    • Sauces/Condiments: Horseradish for beef, apple sauce for pork, mint sauce for lamb, and cranberry for chicken.

To top off this delicious lunch I opted for the Sticky Toffee Pudding which in my opinion is far better than the Spotted Dick Pudding!! 

UP NEXT

Tomorrow I leave for Portugal with a full belly but a heavy heart as last night I got word that our family dog Marble is struggling and may have to be euthanized later today.  She is 17 years old and has been a loving and loyal companion who I rescued from the pound 16 years ago.  She has been an amazing family dog and I am going to miss her immensely.  This is another reminder to cherish loved ones including four legged friends.  I love you Marble.