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Monday, September 21, 2015

#COOKING WITH CLORIS--GUEST AUTHOR KATE HEWITT & TOAD IN THE HOLE

Kate Hewitt writes emotional stories in a variety of genres, from romance to contemporary women's fiction to historical sagas, and blog about village life as an American ex-pat living in England. Learn more about Kate and her books at her website

Toad in the Hole

Although I’m American, I’ve spent ten years in England as an ex-pat and, more importantly, I learned to cook in England. My children were born in England and grew up on such British delights as sausage rolls, bakewell tarts, and sticky toffee pudding. They never did develop a taste for Marmite!

Some people might think English cooking is a bit stodgy and boring, but it can also be the most wonderful comfort food. One of my favorite dishes to make for my family on a frosty autumn night is Toad in the Hole. The name might raise a few eyebrows, but Toad in the Hole is basically sausages in a batter mix that rises like a giant popover, or in English terms, a Yorkshire pudding. You top the whole thing off with gravy—delicious! Here’s my personal recipe:

Take 1 package of 8-12 thick sausages or bratwurst and cut each sausage into thirds. Put in a 9” by 13” baking dish and cook in a 350 degree oven for about 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, make the batter by combining the following:
2 cups flour
4 eggs
2 cups milk

Generally I combine the eggs and milk and then add to the flour. Whisk briskly for about 2 minutes to make the finished product light and airy.

Raise oven temperature to 400. Drain fat from sausages so there is only 1-2 tablespoons left. Add batter to pan and cook 20-25 minutes or until the pudding is puffy and golden.

Serve with mashed potatoes, peas, and onion gravy.

I hope you enjoy this very British recipe!

Rainy Day Sisters
When Lucy Bagshaw’s life in Boston falls apart, thanks to a scathing editorial written by her famous artist mother, she accepts her half sister Juliet’s invitation to stay with her in a charming seaside village in northern England. Lucy is expecting quaint cottages and cream teas, but instead finds that her sister is an aloof host, the weather is wet, windy, and cold, and her new boss, Alex Kincaid, is a disapproving widower who only hired her as a favor to Juliet.

Despite the invitation she offered, Juliet is startled by the way Lucy catapults into her orderly life. As Juliet faces her own struggles with both her distant mother and her desire for a child, her sister’s irrepressible optimism begins to take hold. With the help of quirky villagers, these hesitant rainy day sisters begin to forge a new understanding…and find in each other the love of family that makes all the difference.

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3 comments:

Melissa Keir said...

Sounds wonderful. I might have to give that a try! :) I think I'd like it with breakfast sausage.

M. Johnston said...

I really LOVE English recipe titles. One of my favorite dishes is Bubble and Squeak, and Toad in the Hole looks just as tasty. Thanks! And best wishes for great sales.

Unknown said...

Thanks Kate, this brings back wonderful memories.

Wishing you lots of success with your book!