Posted by Robert Thompson on February 03, 1999 at 00:42:29:
In Reply to: Re: Check your measures! posted by Dave W on February 02, 1999 at 19:21:05:
Yes indeed my ingredients were definitely British - otherwise what’s the world coming to? We’ve had a good
cyber-natter about pemmican, about squashed flies and now seed-cake! What I’d like to know is, has anyone
experience of the extraordinary Death and Glory method of preparing and consuming Bill’s famous “flame-
thrower” Christmas pudding (The Big Six) - ie flavoured, if that’s the word, with methylated spirits. Don’t try
this one at home, as they say on children’s television. I defy anyone to find that in Good Housekeeping, either
US or Brit.
Perhaps the seed-cake topic could end now - after I’ve mentioned an opera by Benjamin Britten in which seed
cake appears! A few years ago I sang in Albert Herring. In Act 2 the schoolteacher is trying to teach the children
a welcome song, but all they can think about is food. (Roger?)
“Quickly, children - come along!
Time to try our festive song
Last time through before they come!”
“Blimey! Jelly! Pink Blancmange! Seedy cake! Seedy cake! Wiv’ icing on!”
Britten definitely read Swallows and Amazons - and what about this: Albert himself drinks lemonade without
realising that a good deal of rum has been added.
S & A - Chapter XI
It was certainly the finest lemonade that pirate or explorer ever swigged. “I never tasted better rum,” said Able-
seaman Titty. A coincidence? Not likely, say I! (More research necessary on this - eventually)