(Recipe from Richard Hunt, Executive Chef, The Grand Hotel, Torquay)
I know the current period favourite is Downton Abbey, and although I wouldn't miss an episode of Downton, my choice for a desert island DVD collection would definitely be
Edwardian Farm. And I would want to add Ruth, Alex and Peter's other historical series
Tales from a Green Valley,
A Tudor Feast at Christmas,
Victorian Farm,
Victorian Farm Christmas and
Victorian Pharmacy too. I have the series on DVD but still watch when any are repeated on TV. You can watch on line too.
When watching an Edwardian Farm episode the other week I was reminded I had wanted to try the Devonshire Cut Rounds Ruth baked to offer to day trippers who arrived at the farm by paddle steamer on the river. Even in those days hard up farmers and their wives had to diversify to make ends meet. After a bit of searching I found the recipe Ruth used in the programme and set about trying it out. A bit more bready than plain scones, the Cut Rounds were yummy filled with my blackcurrant jam and clotted cream. Add a large pot of tea and some cucumber sandwiches and you have a perfect Edwardian afternoon tea.
I wait impatiently for the screening of
Wartime Farm, which is currently in production. Ruth, Alex and Peter are certainly not afraid of hard work!
