We’re hearing a lot about Jamie Oliver’s Ministry of Food (not yet available in the U.S.), but did you know that one of England’s most beloved of food writers worked in the actual Ministry during WWII? Her name is Marguerite Patten and she’s something of a national treasure in England. I own several of her cookbooks (she’s written 170!), including a particular favorite, The Basic Basics Jams, Preserves and Chutneys. I want to know how to roast a joint of beef, turn out the best Yorkshire puddings, or simply make a classic English meal, Patten’s who I turn to.
I wasn’t sure if Patten was still alive, but an interview with her appeared in today’s Telegraph. She’s 93 and still cooking, as well as making television appearances. I love that she loves crabapple jelly with her game (crabapple jelly is my favorite confiture to make in the fall) and that her favorite gadget is an ice cream maker … it’s mine too.
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