The English Kitchen: The Diner's Dictionary

Did You Know???

Make Your Own Self Raising Flour: You can make your own self raising flour by adding 1 1/2 tsp of baking powder and 1/4 tsp of salt to every cup of plain flour.
Make Your Own Baking Powder: You can make your own baking powder by combining 1 tablespoon of bicarbonate of soda with 2 tablespoons of cream of tartar. It's ideal for coeliac sufferers who can't find the gluten-free variety of this raising agent, but measure it out carefully because too much or too little can upset a recipe's balance. Make Your Own Mixed Spice: You can easily make your own mixed spice: Combine 1 TBS ground cinnamon, 1 tsp each of ground coriander and nutmeg, 1/2 tsp of ground ginger, 1/4 tsp each of ground cloves and all spice. Mix well and store in an airtight container for up to 6 months. Make Your Own Cajun Seasoning: Mix together 2 1/2 TBS of salt, 1 TBS dried oregano leaves (Rub to a powder using your fingertips), 1 TBS sweet paprika, 1 TBS cayenne pepper, and 1 TBS ground black pepper. Store in an airtight container for up to six months. Make Your Own Pumpkin Pie Spice: Mix together 1 TBS ground cinnamon, 2 tsp ground ginger, 1/2 tsp ground cloves, 1/2 tsp ground allspice, 1/2 tsp freshly grated nutmeg and a pinch of ground mace or ground cardamom. Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months. Make Your Own Italian Seasoning: Mix together 3 TBS dried basil, 3 TBS dried oregano, 3 TBS dried parsley, 1 TBS garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp dried rosemary, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

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Thursday, 1 November 2012

The Diner's Dictionary

I just have to tell you about this fabulous book which dropped through my mail slot this week. The Diner's Dictionary by John Ayto. This may be one of my favourite books yet! I'm not kidding!

A few years back my son gifted me with the Larousse Gastronomique for Christmas and I was in seventh heaven. It was such a thoughtful and wonderful present. This Diner's Dictionary might not be as hefty as that . . . but I guarantee it is just as delightful for foodie and non-foodie alike! Riveting stuff.

Seasoned generously with literary wit, it covers everything you wanted to know about food, from A

to Z . . . and everything in-between. AND . . . it's a lot easier to carry around or read in bed than that huge beastie of the Gastronomique.

I have been glancing through it every chance I get and have found it to be absolutely riveting . . . I've even plagued Todd with it in bed at night. (As you know I love to go to bed with a good cookbook. This week it's been this book.)

I lay there and punctuate every few moments with an exclamation . . .

Source: tinywhitedaisies.tumblr.com via Marie on Pinterest

"Todd, did you know that there is an American mixed drink in which bourbon is diluted with fruit syrup and soda water, having orginated in the 1850's called a Daisy??? I know . . . kinda gives new meaning to that old song, I'll Give You a Daisy a Day!"

And then a few minutes later, it is . . .

"Todd, did you know that the word Lasagne comes from a word meaning chamber pot???"

Source: thepoopproject.org via Schwindler on Pinterest

He doesn't know whether to kiss me or crown me . . . or both!!

In any case I have found it quite quite riveting and thoroughly fascinating! This book would make a fab Christmas Gift to the dedicated foodie on your list!

The Diner's Dictionary
by John Ayto
Published by Oxford University Press
ISBN: 978-0-19-964024-9
£12.99 UK
$24.95 US
A quirky, irresistibly delicious read!

Many thanks to Oxford University Press for sending me this lovely review copy. It's just filled with food for thought!

Linking this post up to November's Nibbles and Novels over on Dimples & Delights, the monthly party that book inspired foodie posts. Thanks April for letting me play!! (Click on the photo and it will magically take you to her page!)

3 comments:

La Table De Nana said...: I received a similar book from a past sweet client that became a friend.I treasure it..
The cupcakes are adorable:-); 2 November 2012 02:27
April said...: Tis on my library list. I can't stand lasagna anymore, so it's origin made me laugh out loud! Thanks so much for joining my little party, dear friend!
Hugs, April; 4 November 2012 00:31
Gloria said...: Love this Marie! sounds interesting! xo; 4 November 2012 01:02