Feels Like Christmas

And so I'm off . . .

English Cuisine . . . Wow

England is less than two weeks away. Crazy! I can't believe it's come upon us and that the trip is almost here. My house has been feverishly making last-minute plans and me, in typical geek form, has started researching almost everything I can learn about England. I don't want to just experience the touristy aspects of a trip, I want to experience what it is like to actually live there. I know you can't do it in two weeks, but we'll be there long enough to give it a shot.

I've read up on food, slang, books (well, I always do that), the celebrities, shows, and movies. On Saturday I went to Wikipedia.com and read up on English cuisine. I regaled every nitty gritty detail to Kaylin who was less than interested. I've compiled a list of the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. I think the pictures alone speak for themselves.

English Cuisine: The Good

Fish and Chips: This may be the main reason why I'm going to England! I can't even say how excited I am to try some traditional fish and chips. While the picture above looks like it might be something you'd just get at the fair, they eat their fish and chips with salt and malt vinegar. Ah, it just sounds so good.

Rhubarb and apple crumble: I'm not usually one for rhubarb, but this looks pretty good! England apparently makes a lot of fruit crumbles, pie, tarts, etc.

Cheddar Cheese: I wonder what the difference might be eating cheese in another country. But if I get the chance I'm going to try it. Cheddar cheese originates from the English village of Cheddar. If you're in a food's birth place, you have to try it.

English Cuisine: The Bad

Pork Pie: I should have put this in The Ugly post. No. No. No. Can I stress enough that I will never eat pork pie, ever? A gun to my head and rats scurrying around my feet . . . not a chance.

Bangers and Mash: Okay, this doesn't sound tooo bad. It's basically sausage and mashed potatoes. But one time Kaylin sent me an email about what is really in your sausage and sausage has never been the same for me since. If I eat it, it'll be for the sole reason that I could say I ate bangers and mash.

English Cuisine: The Ugly

Bacon Sandwiches: I was actually all for this until I saw the picture. I don't know, I have a problem with fatty meat. I was picturing crispy bacon; instead, it looks like it came straight from the pig.

Blood Sausage: also known as black pudding. Sausage made by cooking blood with a filler until it is thick enough to congeal. Oh, my gosh, I want to puke at the thought of it.

Kippers: an oily fish that has been gutted, split from end to end, and cold smoke. Oy! I can't figure what disgusts me more--blood sausage or kippers.