Tuesday 2 October 2007

Another Day... All things British

Thanks everyone. I'm feeling a bit better today. Small is quite young and I don't think it will impact on him so much. Little is okay, he's very sad but he's okay, I think children are resilient, sometimes more than grown ups.

The problem is Paddington really was such an amazing cat, as my neighbour said over coffee this morning "He really was very special and I've never known a cat like him." She's right, he was. He was good plain happy and he made everybody that ever came into contact with him happy. Anyway, I'm a grown up and I realise having had animals all my life that I have to pick myself up, dust myself down and get on with it. Mao is plainly missing him and is a little skittish, he's also craving affection. He's always been affectionate but he used to get a lot of affection from Paddington and he's clearly missing that. He'll be okay, just as we all will. That dreaded, or dreadful British resolve, stiff upper lip and all that...

As a tribute to Paddington our next country will be Britain as he was a British Shorthair (and although he looked like a British Blue he was infact a Lilac. Crazy how they decide on these things, but still...)

I think I want the comfort of good old British cooking too, like Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding, we actually had this on Sunday, inspired by a post over at the lovely Cottage Smallholder. However we can have it again - something my husband will be more than happy with. What is it about men and red meat?

There will be lots of things from the North East as that is where I was born and where lots of my family still live. I also have very fond memories of all sorts of food from my early childhood in the NE. People in my family really know how to cook and everything is made with love, and they want to feed you. I love that! Having now spent more time in Spain and a little time in Italy, my family remind me of Italian and Spanish families. My mum being one of 6, they are large enough and noisy enough to pull it off too.

By the way, I don't think I know anybody who doesn't love food and who wouldn't have some suggestions for British Food, so if you want to make a few then drop me a line. Details are in the side bar.

Amanda xx

p.s. We ate a few more Japanese things which I will blog about at some stage later on. Forgive me for leaving it unfinished for now.

23 comments:

MyKitchenInHalfCups said...

Ah Amanda if only I could explain that man red meat thing . . . I'd be rich right!
The Roast Beef Yorkshire Pudding sounds like a comfortable but grand place to start! My mom used to do that and it was beautiful!
Hugs!

Pat said...

(((Amanda))) Padington looked to be a great friend. Okay I will suggest good ole Lancashire Hot Pot. Think I will be having this sometime next week here now that the weather has turned. Will raise a glass to Paddington when we do.

KellytheCulinarian said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your cat, that has to be traumatic.

FH said...

I read about Paddington yesterday but your comment section was not open to leave my comment.He was a handsome guy!:)
My heartfelt condolences to all of you.Hugs!
Love Yorkshire pudding,looking forward to it!:))

Caffienated Cowgirl said...

I am so sorry to hear about Pads. Cats can grab such a special place in your heart...I remember all of mine.

Looking forward to your British fare...to remind me what I am missing now that I have moved.

Angel said...

I'm so sorry about your little fuzzy child (thats what my mom calls them) We too have had cats that are very much members of the family. The pictures you have of them are very beautiful and express alot of affection for both your cats. I'm from America so it will be fun to see what is considered "British Cooking". I for one love roast beef too so its not just the gents lol.

Aimée said...

So sorry about your little Paddington (darling name!) Hope it's not too rough on the boys. Comfort food sounds like a good route to go. I hope you post your recipe for Yorkshire Pud. It's a favorite of mine.

Cottage Smallholder said...

Paddington was a beautiful cat and clearly so cherished by you all.

Your post last night was a real tribute to him.

Amanda at Little Foodies said...

Hi Tanna, thank you. You'd be rich for sure. Someone must have come up with a theory. I'm going to google it.

Hi Pat, he was rather special. Thanks for the suggestion of Lancashire Hot Pot - I love it and enjoy that glass when you have it.

Hi Kelly, thank you, it was but we just have to be content that we were lucky enough to have him at all.

Hi Asha, he was rather handsome wasn't he. Thanks for your kind words. I turned the comments off as I didn't want people to feel they had to say something which of course is silly as people have said very lovely and comforting things.

Hi CC, thank you, they do. Re: the food - I'll try and remind you only of the really good stuff! ;)

Hi Angel, thanks for visiting. I love roast beef, but only sometimes, my husband could eat red meat every day.

Hi Aimee, thank you. Comfort foods galore - is the route I was planning. Loved your eccles cakes, may have to mention them!

Thank you for your comments and e-mails. They have been a great comfort.

Amanda x

Amanda at Little Foodies said...

Ah Fiona, we've done that before, typed comments for each other at the same time. Thank you, for everything.

Hey! I watched you on the TV this evening. You are now my famous friend!!

Amanda x

Valerie Harrison (bellini) said...

My mom used to make us Roast Beef & Yorkshire Pudding...but not like mine. She would make the pudding in one pan. I am told this is the traditional way to make it so that it is dense in the centre. I like it that way way but love it like popovers..light and fluffy, until they fall of course!

Anonymous said...

When I saw the photographs of your cats playing it brought a smile to my face and tears to my eyes. I am so sorry to hear about Paddington - what a beautiful cat.
Sara from farmingfriends

Anonymous said...

I am sure Paddington is somewhere watching down and his little whiskers will be twitching at the thought of roas beef and yorkshire puddings. I am a big lover of good British cooking and get so frustrated when others say it's bland - it's not! Fish and chips are all we seem to get remembered for! I can't wait to see what recipes you come up with. :)

Deborah said...

I have a dog, and he is truly a member of the family. I'm sorry for your loss - I can only imagine what you are going through.

I'm excited to see what British food you make!

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry about your cat! he looked a beauty. I am not even a cat person really but just had to say.

sarah

www.rosepetaljam.typepad.com

Pig in the Kitchen said...

Very sorry to hear about Paddington, your photos were lovely.
Pigx

Kelly-Jane said...

What a gorgeous cat he was, and Mao is, take some comfort from your pictures, you gave him the best, and he looked so happy.

...

Sausages, you have to have toad or sausages and onion gravy, and mash too!

KJxx

Marie Rayner said...

I was sorry to hear about Paddington Amanda. He looked a lovely cat. (((HUGS))) I think you can't get much more British than a good old fashioned hot pot or potato pie! Looking forward to your adventures here in jolly old England, well, the UK. :-)

Gemma said...

I am very sorry to hear about Paddington, I adore grey cats and he looked beautiful - you're all definitely in need of some good British comfort food, how about a treacle tart with custard?

Gemma x

Amanda at Little Foodies said...

Hi Valli, my mum and grandmother still make yorkie puds like that.

Sara (FF), Tash, Deborah, Sarah, PITK, Kelly Jane, Marie and Gemma, Thank you xx

Gemma, I think treacle tart with custard is compulsory! x

Amanda x

Karen Baking Soda said...

I think fish and chips would suit a grand cat. Maybe some minty peas to go with that?
Take care!

Jann said...

I am so sorry about yor kitty~I know you will miss him. Yes, many hugs to you and your sweet family...

Amanda at Little Foodies said...

Hi Karen, that sounds good, I love minty peas!

Hi Jann, thank you

Amanda x

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