Its farming and fishing industries yield an impressive harvest of
ingredients, so it is no surprise to discover that Sussex also boasts a
rich culinary heritage. At one point in the past it was said that 'to
venture into the county was to risk being turned into a pudding
yourself'. Local cookery books were filled with recipes for dense dishes
including Chichester Pudding, Sussex Blanket Pudding, and the
intriguingly named Sussex Pond Pudding, which contains a whole lemon and
was featured on the BBC's Great British Bake Off. Today, though, the
county's menus feature a much wider array of local dishes to satisfy
even the most demanding palate and local produce matters much to Sussex
folk, as well as being a reason the county attracts so many visitors. In
Pond Puddings and Sussex Smokies local author Kevin Newman explores
these changes through an investigation of the county's culinary history
and specialities, together with its famous food and drink producers,
markets and food-themed events. Starting with an exploration of
interesting and unusual Sussex dishes and drinks, as well as the people
behind them, Newman visits wonderful watering holes and incredible
eating places from across the centuries such as 'Pacy's Blood Hole' and
a hotel where Christmas puddings meet an unusual fate. The author
focuses on the county's past and present food-themed customs and
traditions, offers foodie and drinking locations to visit and
investigates the quirky stories behind many locally brewed beers. He
explains how 'Dirty Arthur' became dirty, how a prince provided school
dinners, how a local member of the clergy ended up as a Fijian feast and
why 'Black-Eyed Susan' hasn't been in a fight. We learn how it's
impossible to eat a 'dish of tongues' but how you could chomp on 'the
Devil's children' in the past. Sussex residents and visitors alike will
discover the true flavour of Sussex in this book, and as you tuck into
this fascinating and delicious study of its culinary heritage across the
ages, just like the county's famous Pond Pudding, there will definitely
be a something you might not have expected inside.
