As the special extended bank holiday weekend draws ever closer, at Caple we can’t wait to get together with family and friends to celebrate. After all, the Queen will become the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee after 70 years’ service. Of course, this will inevitably involve food, on some level, from enjoying special meals at home to attending a BYO food street party.
At Caple, we’re not only renowned for our ability to entertain (have you been to a Caple Experience Day?), but we’re also known for our love of food. So, with the Jubilee and, therefore, a British menu in mind, we asked staff which traditional UK dishes are their firm favourites. Read on to find out which meals came out on top and discover why you should try them at home:
Also known as a fry up, this dish is a centuries old breakfast tradition, which dates back to the 1300s. One of the longest standing dishes in England, this was seen as a luxury for society’s richest. So, it seems fitting that this is one of our choices with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee on the horizon.
In the 14th Century, breakfast was seen as the most important meal of the day and some believe this still stands true today. These days, a full English tends to provide the perfect hangover cure. And, with a four-day weekend for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, this meal may be just what’s required!
For a simple, speedy crowd-pleaser, you’ll love Sainsbury’s Full English Breakfast recipe. It only takes five minutes to prep and you can enjoy all the staples you’d expect from this traditional offering. In addition, love it or hate it, the black pudding in this recipe isn’t obligatory!
Top tips:
Remember to refresh your oil to cook your eggs. This way, the yolks will remain intact and they won’t stick to the pan. And if you’re worried about your waistline, switch your beef or pork sausages for venison, as they contain less fat.
The term ‘Ploughman’s lunch’ came from the Milk Marketing Board in the late 50s. We’ve discovered this was part of a campaign, back then, to promote cheese sales in pubs. Whenever this mouth-watering meal first appeared on the British menu, one thing is for sure – it’s a firm favourite at our HQ. It’s also a great way in which to enjoy a hearty meal during Sunday’s Big Lunch for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. If you’re planning to get together with your neighbours for a street party, this will make the perfect platter, no cooking required!
You won’t need a recipe to recreate this delicious cold dish at home. The key is to choose ingredients you know will work well together in terms of appearance and of course, taste. A varied meat selection paired with a collection of your favourite cheeses is a great place to start. Adding small pots of sauces such as chutney’s gives you a central item to place your meats and cheeses around. Adding lettuce, rocket, cucumber, tomatoes and other vegetables gives the spread a pop of colour. Buy a fresh loaf or rolls from a local bakery – easy-peasy!
Top tips:
Make sure the bread you serve is crusty and try to pick mature and tangy cheeses packed with flavour. Complete the look by serving on a larger wooden platter.
Surely, there’s nothing more British than fish and chips?
Freshly cooked, doused in vinegar and wrapped in newspaper, this dish dates back to the early 1860s. In fact, fish and chips scored highly among staff. It’s no wonder as this staple British meal suits all sorts of occasions, from family meals on a seaside holiday to a late-night treat on the way home from the pub.
So, if you’ve got friends and family visiting during the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, fish and chips should not fail to please. We’ve chosen celebrity chef Jamie Oliver’s recipe, which features battered fish, chunky chips and, love them or hate them, mushy peas!
Top tips:
If you prefer your peas less ‘mushy’, don’t use a food processor and instead mash them by hand.
Now Time For Desst
AKA the ultimate comfort food, fruit crumble became popular in Britain during World War II. This was a food rationing replacement for apple pie and it certainly makes a delicious alternative, which can be served all year round.
What’s not to like in this recipe, which features soft sweet plums and apples topped with a crisp buttery crumble? It’s certainly got our approval. If you’re looking for an absolute crowd pleaser during the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, this could be the perfect answer.
This is a British pudding which should never fail to please. It’s easy to make, too. You’ll only need to take 15 mins prep time out of your busy schedule. Then simply place the crumble in a pre-heated oven for 25 mins and serve to satisfy friends and family.
Top tips:
When ready to dish up, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top and you’ll satisfy anyone with a sweet tooth.
Need Some veggie Options?
Have you got vegetarians visiting you during the celebrations for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee? Then don’t forget to try our national trainer Jo’s Vegetarian dinner ideas.