Let’s dine at Downton Abbey!

Let’s Dine at Downton Abbey was the theme selected by our hosts Sue & Gary for this Gourmet Group event.  I think it would be amazing to experience the opulence of the many courses, the elaborate table settings and the formality of dressing for dinner. While it’s hard to rival the pageantry of Highclere castle, Sue and Gary did an amazing job of capturing the spirit of Downton.

Everything from classically elegant china, to crystal stemware, “the family silver”, a beautiful array of candlesticks and gorgeous roses, all came together so splendidly, I truly felt like one of the dinner guests at the Abbey. We were grateful, however, we didn’t have to don our gowns and tiaras, since we were in the grips of a -8 degree evening. The only thing that would have made sense from the Downton wardrobe was the evening gloves (in our case, fur lined!)

Let’s Dine at Downton Abbey – Appetizers

While the table itself stole the show this evening, the food was amazing as well. Susan & Gary’s nod to British fare kicked off with 2 savory appetizers – Goat Cheese and Fig Sandwiches on Raisin Bread and Parmesan Cheese Straws served with Artichoke Lemon Dip. Brilliant! (and very tasty.)

Let’s Dine at Downton Abbey – First Course

From there, we sat down to partake of the first course, Pear Potato Soup. I selected soup because it is a traditional first course from this era.  This recipe blends sweet and savory flavors with hints of maple and Dijon and is topped with a dollop of creme fraiche and fresh herbs. Light and delightfully complex.

Let’s Dine at Downton Abbey – Main Course

Sue and Gary wowed with a main course of Roasted Sirloin of Beef, Root Vegetables and Yorkshire Pudding. So very British and very Downton! This recipe also called for a red wine pan gravy, which had turned into a lively joint cooking event. There’s nothing like the need for a little tweaking that brings out the iron chef in all of us! As it turned out, the gravy was so tasty it had me coming back for seconds.

Let’s Dine at Downton Abbey – Dessert

Lynda and Brian put the final touch on the meal with their delicious Courting Cake. The history of the Courting Cake is that it is baked by the fiancée, and presented to her betrothed as a token of love, care and friendship, following their courtship. It is also proof of the bride-to-be’s baking skills. How lovely and old-fashioned. This shortbread, whip cream and strawberry confection was served with Veuve Clicquot champagne, which made me feel like we had progressed from the courtship to the wedding feast!