Freudian Food.

April 24 …

Clement Freud, grandson of Sigmund, politician, celebrity chef, restaurateur, and food writer was born on this day in 1924. He is responsible for more than his fair share of quotable quotes, which seems like a good place to start today’s story.

“In moments of considerable strain, I tend to take to bread-and-butter pudding. There is something about the blandness of soggy bread, the crispness of the golden outer crust and the unadulterated pleasure of a lightly set custard that makes the world seem a better place to live.”

“If you resolve to give up smoking, drinking and loving, you don't actually live longer; it just seems longer.”

“Congealed fat is pretty much the same, irrespective of the delicacy around which it is concealed.”

“Breakfast is a notoriously difficult meal to serve with a flourish.”

“To barbecue is a way of life rather than a desirable method of cooking.”

“Eating is to put off the evil moment when one has to write an article. I trot into the kitchen instead of sitting down. I make some mayonnaise and open a can of tunny fish, and I eat tunny mayonnaise which I don’t really want. This is obviously how one gets so fat and slothful.”

Mr.Freud gives his favourite foods as caviar, foie gras, and oysters. “I love angels-on-horseback. Oysters wrapped in bacon, smoked streaky bacon, however socially desirable back of bacon may be. Never fry bacon, grill it. Skewer the bacon round the oyster and grill it. You can get it crisp this way because the fat runs off.”

Angels on horseback. When was the last time you had Angels on Horseback? The 1970’s? Are they so retro they are due for a re-run?

It seems that Angels on Horseback are older than I thought – although they used to go by a different name. Here is a recipe from an American cookbook called Favorite Dishes, by Carrie V.Schuman, 1893.

Pigs in Blankets.
From Mrs. Isabella Laning Candee, of Illinois, Alternate Lady Manager.
This amusing and appetizing dish is easily made.Take large fine oysters and drain them well, and season with salt and pepper, and a drop of lemon juice if desired. Cut fat bacon into very thin, even slices, and wrap each oyster in a slice of bacon, fastening securely with a wooden skewer – a toothpick will do. Two cloves can be inserted at one end of the roll to simulate ears. Have the frying pan very hot, and cook the little pigs until the bacon crisps. Serve immediately upon small pieces of toast.

Tomorrow’s Story …

Anzac Day.

Quotation for the Day …

Life expectancy would grow by leaps and bounds if green vegetables smelled as good as bacon. Doug Larsen.