I should have known that Kimbo would bring me something special from Blighty; and he did.
I'm a simple lad, with simple tastes. A bag of Maynards Wine Gums, a pot of Colmans Mustard Powder, or a pukka Melton Mowbray Pork Pie (especially a large one), has my eternal gratitude. It's all well and good knowing that Pork Pies will soon be within easy shopping range, but after nearly three months away from England, one's yearnings become almost overpowering.
I think I may have mentioned previously, but a good Pork Pie is one of the better gastronomic delights of England. A simple hot water crust pastry, with a lightly seasoned Pork filling, and some jelly, and you have a totally delightful treat for a picnic at Henley, a garden party at Buck House, or even a simple lunch down on the farm.
It is a treat without class; as welcome in a hamper in the Royce, as on a hay filled trailer behind a coughing Summer farm tractor. Pork Pie is a social leveller, and a treat for both Prince and Pauper. And it can be washed-down with just about anything, Champagne or cider; nothing is beyond its capabilities.
I think I can guarantee that when her late Majesty The Queen invited her family for an al fresco repast at Balmoral, it would have included a good Pork Pie, just as a wandering homeless vagabond would make one his special treat, once he had put together enough sixpences to afford a good meal.
Thank you darling. I shall buy you a pint at The Caxton when I return!
Agreed, a good Melton Mobray pork pie is heavenly.
ReplyDeleteAin't it just. Pure delight.
DeleteI used to like Sainsbury's .No more .They've started to put extra little squares of fat in it. Did they think we wouldn't notice? Best bakery round here is Bird's.
ReplyDeleteThe 'deli' counter at Waitrose sell exceptional hand made Pork Pies. They're made especially for them by a Co called Walkers. If you have a Waitrose near you; try one!
DeleteI'm afraid our nearest Waitrose is in Nottingham. haha. I live in Derby..
DeleteC'est la vie!
DeleteIf I ever get to London this will probably be the first thing I buy just out of curiosity.
ReplyDeleteYou won't be disappointed.
DeleteGood ones are good but bad are very very bad
ReplyDeleteWe have a small specialist sausage and pie shop in Brighton that make their own. Last year I bought two as a special treat; they were awful!!!
DeleteDarn, you describe them so well. I want one too! Or any sort of decenteat pie that I haven't made.
ReplyDeleteBon appetite
I shall probably broach it at lunchtime.
DeleteMany years ago, I worked in a bank in the suburbs of Leicester that was next to a Walker's butcher shop. Pork pies were obviously made somewhere in Leicester and one day I bought a small one for my lunch. It was still warm, and one of the most delicious things I have ever eaten! We always have pork pie and Branston for breakfast on Christmas Day. It is a tradition in the Midlands.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if that's the same 'Walkers' as I mentioned above to Caz? If so they are probably the best I've ever eaten.
DeleteYes , it will be. They are made in. Leicester.
DeleteP loves pork pies I think I shall buy him one today as a treat Thank you for the inspiration Cro.
ReplyDeleteI shall have some of mine too. So much for my diet!
DeleteIs it a bird? Is it a plane? No! It's SuperKimbo!
ReplyDeleteWho wants gold, frankincense or myrrh when you can have a Melton Mowbray pork pie?
That's what I say every Christmas.
DeleteI wonder if I could order one online? I'd never even heard of pork pies until I started reading your blog. I'd like to try one.
ReplyDeleteYou would need to know that it was fresh. I think buying online might be tricky.
DeleteSounds delightful,
ReplyDeleteI certainly find them so.
DeleteThe local English butcher in town makes his own - not bad at all. Not sure if we can still buy genuine Melton Mowbray pies since Brexit. Iceland used to sell them, but I've not been in for quite a while and so many treats have disappeared.
ReplyDeleteMost of the big stores do good ones. Marks, Waitrose, Tesco, etc. But they are mostly mass produced.
DeleteWith that recommendation I shall put one on my Tesco delivery for Friday - it is a while since I tasted one - and just the photo is enough to make my mouth water.
ReplyDeleteDelicious. It's the simple things that we forget about.
DeleteIf you want a really good pork pie, you should try one from Dickinson & Morris of Melton Mowbray.
ReplyDeleteThey're absolutely wonderful, especially with a serving of 'Piccadilly' Piccalilli from Fortnum & Mason on the plate too!
Most pork pies have straight sides as they're baked in tins, but those made in Melton Mowbray are baked free standing, so the sides are slightly bow-shaped.
My Grandmother, in the late 1940s through to the mid 1960s, used to make pork pies in her kitchen and sell them through the local bakery.
She was an incredibly talented cook/baker, and even after all this time, I still remember how good her pork pies were!
Have a great time with your guests! X
If ever I get to MM I shall certainly head directly for D & M's. You're right about the Piccalilli too, another gem that we tend to forget about, other than at Christmas.
DeleteKimbo certainly did not come empty handed! You have a wonderful son and he chooses gifts well. I've never had pork pie and do not see them in the US.
ReplyDeleteKimbo is a son in a million. He's my hero! Pork Pies are very much an English thing, a bit like Cornish Pasties. You probably could find one in the US, but I wouldn't guarantee its authenticity.
DeleteI enjoyed my first pork pie sitting on the grounds of Bradgate Park, marveling at the ancient oaks and daydreaming about the queens who had once walked beneath them. It was so wonderful.
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm sure that Lady Jane would have eaten Pork Pies too.
DeleteIn my next life I will ask to live in England just so I can try these pork pies. I'm sure we get them here in Australia, but would they be the same as the real thing?
ReplyDelete