The chef, Ian Dowding, who co-created the Banoffee Pie recipe, together with his proprietor at the Hungry Monk restaurant, Jevington, East Sussex … down the road … came out to talk to us about his life in general …
 |
| Ian Dowding's - a cook's note book |
Now I don't want any comment on the image selected for his book … makes me laugh to think about it together with the title … but I do love artichokes … a summer treat.
Ian talked to us about how he came to being a chef, and how he learnt his trade and then the creation of the delicious infamous Banoffee Pie … oooh so good.
He uses a pastry base – me … I'd always go for the digestive biscuit base … but here we go – the English digestive base, or the American Graham cracker base …
Banoffee Pie - made with a digestive base
... I'm not sure I've ever tasted a Graham cracker … though to me it would be hard to beat the digestive, crushed and mixed with melted butter before being formed into a base.
Digestive Biscuits
Banoffee Pie is delicious … I could easily crave it – but banish the thought … and, though I'm sure it's around, I don't see it … so am not tempted.
What's not to like … digestive crust, boiled cans of condensed milk … I remember doing this for another dessert (coffee mousse) I used to make when I was a youngster …
Coffee flavouring when I was growing up – was made with Camp Coffee … for coffee milkshakes and desserts (never coffee per se) … oddly my brother mentioned they'd run out of Camp Coffee for a pudding (as we call them) for a supper party over the Easter weekend … he was noting after the dessert he'd had a very wakeful night overdosed on caffeine!
Camp Coffee
- coffee syrup
Ian Dowding's talk starting out in the culinary world – it was interesting to hear his take … and now I have his book, together with Le Repertoire de La Cuisine - which contains a very concise précis of over 6,000 recipes (c/o Escoffier) ...
... this intrigued me – and no doubt I'll use it to bring some amusement to my posts in future … as I can find 'artichoke bottoms' in it … this is the reference source where I could not find the 'Groër sauce' per my last post …
I must comment on Fish Bananas – Ian has a recipe for them … a meaty fish, bananas, mango chutney … which does sound interesting …
Through the keyhole -
to all you eclipse chasers ...
That concludes the Fish Bananas and Banoffee Pie post … all tastes to the mill of your delight! And a big thank you to all references in the previous post … Monty Python, JD Salinger's Nine Stories …
Enjoy the Eclipse tonight in that large continental mass over the pond! I do hope the weather plays fair … the experience is well worth it - even if it's only a partial eclipse like the one I experienced 25 years ago …
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
42 comments:
My mouth is watering at the Banoffee Pie - and, yes. It would be a digestive crust for me too.
Hari Om
Not something I desire, but my dad was a sweet tooth and this was one of his faves... Though if there was sticky toffee pudding on the menu, it might win. Or he'd order both! YAM xx
Banoffee pie would definitely be more to my taste than Fish Bananas!
Hi Hilary - my mouth is watering - that Banoffee pie is calling my name.
You'd like a Graham cracker crust - and I have not tried one with digestive biscuits. Ah, the things we miss out on based on where we live. :)
Sending smiles across the pond, Jenny
He sounds an interesting man.
I remember Camp Coffee - I liked the illustration on the bottle, but have never liked coffee.
@ Anabel - I think many mouths will be watering on my mention of Banoffee pie - ok good ... digestives for you ...
@ Yam - interesting about your Dad ... alright Sticky Toffee Pudding can come a close second ... or both! Fun fact about your father ...
@ Karen - Banoffee Pie is a definite ... I wouldn't mind trying Fish Bananas - and I might sometime soon ...
@ Jenny - sorry about that! (Well no I'm not!). I expect I'd like a Graham cracker crust ... but as you say the things we miss when we're not at home or live ... thank you for the smiles - always happy to have those ...
@ Janice - he was a very interesting man - made the most of his life ... I never got to either of his restaurants - the Hungry Monk, or his restaurant Quincy's in the next town (further west) from Eastbourne. We always had Camp Coffee and used it as a flavouring rather than coffee ... though it was, I gather, used as a cheap substitute ...
Cheers to you five, thanks for your comments - cheers Hilary
How interesting. I had heard of Banoffee Pie but had thought for some reason that its origins were lost in time and that it was a regional delicacy. Himself has indicated more than once we should find a recipe.
Fish bananas sounds intriguing too.
The pie sounds amazing!
The eclipse was wonderful today. 90% totality where I am. A fun afternoon!
I've never had a digestive biscuit, but I've had plenty of Graham crackers. I wonder if they're similar. Did you know the history of the Graham cracker? The guy who created them did so to keep people celebate. It didn't quite work out that way.
I use digestive biscuits as a cheesecake base. I'm sure I've had (maybe even made) Banoffee Pie somewhere in the distant past, but too long ago to properly remember.
I do remember Camp coffee though. My parents used it - for coffee - when I was young.
The photo of the pie looks delicious. And you are correct.. I would always use a sweet digestive biscuit base for the dessert. A savoury cracker base is only suitable for a meat or vegetable pie, for the main course.
@ EC - I'll send you a recipe ... and see how himself would be interested in trying Banoffee Pie ... good to know! I'm not sure about Fish Bananas - but I think with the mango chutney then it could be good ... I'll give it a go in a while ...
@ Elizabeth - it is delicious, positively luscious! Oh wonderful that you were able to experience the 90% eclipse ... as you say a wonderful day ... America seems to be basking in delight at the whole occurrence ...
@ Liz - they must be very similar ... I'd read the history about the Graham cracker, but decided I didn't need to include it here. I have to say I hadn't quite realised the celibacy part ...
@ Ian - yes I use them as a cheesecake base ... and in fact have never made a banoffee pie, yet it was on the menu when I worked in a local pub on my return from South Africa.
I don't think we ever used Camp coffee for the drink per se - but knew that's where it was popular ... presumably before instant coffee was easily available - I haven't checked that (I see instant coffee was invented in NZ in the 1890s)!!
@ Hels - the pie is delicious. The Graham cracker is not a savoury one ... but probably works much like the digestive - it can duplicate ... the digestive is a very good accompaniment to cheese.
Thanks so much for the comments and additional thoughts - cheers Hilary
Artichokes are without doubt, exquisite. I seldom have them fresh but I buy grilled artichokes in a jar and eat those often, sometimes combining them with feta cheese, olives, and green pepper to make a Mediterranean omelette, but more often simply alongside the sandwich on my plate. I think I could pass on the pie, with either base, Graham cracker or digestive, but if pressed would give it a try! Oh, and I forgot to mention we also make a vegetarian pasta dish where artichokes are the star performers. It is quite delicious and goes very agreeably with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc. Tomorrow we will be having a post trip reunion of the Cuba group, a pot luck, and I will be taking a Greek salad. Maybe I’ll take artichokes too. Miriam is baking fresh bread buns and I know what others are bringing. It will be a feast! If you were here I’d do my best to wheedle an invitation for you, even if I had to resort to committing you to help with the dishes! The event will be held at Alan and Anne’s house. Alan’s PhD is in geology and Anne’s in fossil entomology, and they are both familiar with, and fans of, Mary Anning, so the conversation would be lively. Hugs - David
Hi David - thanks for this comprehensive reply to my post. I love both sorts of artichokes ... so would happily join you in your vegetarian pasta artichoke dish - the Sauvignon Blanc sounds a very good accompaniment. The omelette sounds delicious ... I love feta, and olives etc - I'd join you for that too!
Re your reunion of the Cuba group - a pot luck is always fun ... Greek salad ... I'd be happy ... I'd take herby bread. Miriam's fresh bread buns will be a perfect accompaniment ... fresh bread always good. I'd love an invitation - but I suspect I won't be jumping on a plane!. Also a geologist as company together with Anne's fossil entomology ... lots of fun will ensure - especially re the Mary Anning connection ...
Enjoy the evening - I'm sure it will be fun ... great comment and thanks for the recipe ideas - much appreciated and cheers - Hilary
Not sure about the fish bananas. You have to admit, Graham cracker sounds better than digestive crust. (And yes, they are really good.)
We saw a partial eclipse. It was rather cool.
I love banoffee pie (with biscuit base - we use Baker's Tennis Biscuits here in South Africa) but my taste buds didn't exactly get excited at the fish bananas! :)
this post tingles the taste buds and offers a chuckle or two. Very fun.
( I am a graham cracker crust person. Not a coffee or coffee flavor person)
Our eclipse was spectacular. I shall be posting. (and any Monty Python reference is a hoot).
I am not familiar with digestive base,but the pie sounds scrumptious. I have never been a fan of graham cracker crust.
Cheers, :)
@ Alex - I know 'fish bananas' does sound a little 'interesting' doesn't it. To me digestives are the best! But each to his own. The eclipse will remain with you ...
@ Judy - good to see you ... yes Banoffee Pie - too good! Tennis biscuits make sense ... I can't remember what I used when I was out there for crumb bases ... like Alex 'fish bananas' sound interesting, but with mango chutney would make the difference ...
@ Joanne - tingling tastes - too true. Glad you enjoyed the chuckle. I think we grow up with our own expectations from home - which makes sense. I understand the 'no coffee' decision - I have it in the morning - then no more, but would use Camp Coffee for flavour.
@ Sandra - you have your Graham crackers ... I enjoy my digestives - but you're not in favour of that sort of crust anyway.
Thanks so much to you four for visiting and your comments - cheers Hilary
The pie does sound delicious, and I might even talk I husband into trying it. He loves to cook and bake. If not him, I have a daughter who loves to bake (needless to say, I don't.). Either crust sounds delicious to me. I'm a graham cracker fan, so I'd be fine with a graham cracker crust. But I know the bakers in the family would follow your recipe to a T. :-)
Hi Debi - the pie is delicious ... and I'm sure either your husband or probably more likely your daughter would enjoy it. I'd go for the graham cracker crust ... which you're used to having in the States. I'm sure the family could work out the recipe to create the pie. Good luck and I'm sure you'll all enjoy it - cheers Hilary
Hungry Monk. What a grand name for a restaurant!
Browsing 6,000 recipe ideas sounds exciting...I look forward to hearing more about it.
When I see the banoffee cake, I could immediately reach for the cake fork and my coffee cup, even though according to the ingredients list it is very rich! But maybe I'll prepare it at some point. Thanks for the inspiration, Hilary.
A warm greeting from Viola
It looks like I'm alone in preferring the original pastry base! I'm a fan of Come Dine With Me, and when I see contestants using biscuit bases I shout at the telly! I poached a kitchen assistant from the Hungry Monk when I ran my bistro and she made the most delicious Bonoffi Pie I've ever eaten!
@ Sandra - yes ... I know an interesting name ... I regret not going there - but one just can't do it all - can we!?!
@ Viola - great to see you ... the 6,000 recipes are very very brief! But if your an experienced chef/cook ... you'd know what to do with them ... I gather it's a main source of ideas.
Banoffee Pie is very rich - and not something for everyday - but as a treat ... is yummy! Enjoy creating your pie ...
@ Keith - you are apparently alone in preferring the pastry base - other than Ian Dowding the co-creator of Banoffi Pie; I'm not a fan of 'Come Dine With Me' ... and I'm sure I shout at the tv sometimes when people are making dishes, but would shout at the tv if that show was on - we are on opposite sides these fences ... seemingly! Did you poach a kitchen assistant from the Hungry Monk ... interesting - as Ian is likely to read this ... but I expect lots of water has passed under the bridge by now!!
Cheers to the three of you ... thanks for your interesting comments - Hilary
Caramalising condensed milk made my mouth water. We used to do that to make the South African dessert of Peppermint Crisp tart. Delicious, but not good for the figure. Now you can buy caramelised condensed milk there. I have never seen it here. We cannot even consider it at present though, we have holiday kg's to lose!! Cheers Diane
Hi Diane - thanks for coming by ... now you're back home that garden will slim you down very quickly I expect - Spring garden work will be ongoing! I wonder what the bought caramelised milk is like ... I so prefer things the way they used to be - I'm getting very old fashioned! I've never made Peppermint Crisp tart - though I know it was a favourite with many of my South African friends. Cheers to you ... Hilary
Camp Coffee is a new one on me. Very interesting.
Have a wondrous weekend, Hils.
Hi Sandra - it appears that Camp Coffee was developed for domestic use, to avoid the complex and then expensive equipment required for coffee drinking. Legend has it (mainly due to the picture on the label) that Camp Coffee originated as an instant coffee for military use.
It is an item of British nostalgia ... because many of us remember it from our childhoods, but is still popular as a flavouring for coffee cakes, desserts and buttercreams - as per my sister-in-law making her pud. Interesting history ... cheers Hilary
This sounds like a mix of bananas and coffee--both loved separately but together? Not sure about that! As usual, you broaden my perspective on life.
6,000 recipes? Wow. YOU, have a grand one.
Banoffee pie sounds quite good. We make a pie where we mix lemon juice with condensed milk and the condensed milk thickens. And you add the ubiquitous banana, maraschino cherries and pineapple. I forget the name But you can't beat a good digestive biscuit crust. I looked the digestive biscuit up and it is very similar to the graham cracker.
@ Jacqui - together they are very tasty! You'll be hooked on it - especially with the delicious toffee/caramelly base layer.
@ Sandra - I know ... list upon list of possible recipes.
@ Ann - Banoffee pie is delicious. Yours sounds rather good too - a nice alternative. I think Graham cracker base and plain digestive base are both very appropriate ... and as far as I'm concerned a cheesecake base of digestives is essential, or cheese and biscuits - digestive ones of course!
Cheers to the three of you - thanks for your comments - Hilary
I have never heard of Banoffee Pie - glad I learned something new. It sounds very rich; can you even eat more than one piece? As to the crust - before I moved to the States I had no idea that you can actually make a crust from Graham Crackers or digestives. I have never seen that in Germany and my mom certainly never made a crust like that. She was the baker (and the cook) whereas I am not such a great baker except for bread. So maybe I'm just not aware of it. However, I remember trying it here in California once and failed miserably. From then on I decided to leave this kind of baking adventure to other people who are more talented or have way more skill than I do. Fish bananas? Now that's more to my liking! Thank you for this wonderful post, Hilary. All the best - Carola
Hi Carola - thanks for your comment. I don't bake, if I can avoid it, but the digestive method doesn't require baking ... just bashing (?) the biscuits to a crumb, then mixing with butter and pushing into a pastry tin ... which could then be filled with the toffee condensed milk, flavoured with Camp Coffee (or equivalent), and then layered with sliced bananas, topped with cream - again your choice.
I couldn't make bread for toffee! - but only because I'm not that keen on eating it. Perhaps you'll give banoffee pie a chance again?!
Fish bananas ... I have to try out a few recipes for those ... but I love the denotation regarding the two ingredients ... a try out over the summer ...
I'm glad you're feeling easier now - take care ... cheers Hilary
Hilary, Banoffee pie sounds like a slice of heaven! how come I've never, ever heard of it. I really am going to have to make some of that. I don't think we get Camp coffee here but I remember it well. As for the condensed milk, oh my word, how sinful is that? Delicious, I can imagine. Not sure about the fish bananas, though... haha. I'd have to think about that!
Have a happy weekend, Hils:)
Why? Thank you for this wonderful amuse bouche! Aloha from Honolulu!
Neither of those appeal to me, although I do love a digestive base to a cheesecake. My mum used to make them with the simplest recipe, and it was delicious!
@ Val - because you live in the Netherlands?! It was and is rife over here ... very delicious, but no good for the figure! I'm sure you can work something out for the Camp Coffee ... coffee liqueur perhaps?! Condensed milk - yes the less said the better ... too delicious.
I have to write about Fish Bananas soon ... which will be interesting ... but I suspect better than one might expect: we shall see.
@ Sandra - I had a non-weekend ... quiet with lots of reading ... thank you. We had a very cold wind ... which I don't enjoy.
@ Cloudia - no idea - but seemed a good title for a book, which I plagiarised for this blog post subject ... but glad you enjoyed the amuse bouche: which I can't get my head round for its name ... I did write about them too - September 2021 ... during Covid restrictions ...
@ Annalisa - I agree a cheesecake with a digestive base is an essential ... I don't like the cooked ones - and as you say a simple recipe is the best, and sooooo mooooorish!
Thanks to you four ... my Earth Day post will be along later on today - cheers Hilary
That pie does look tasty. I'd try it, and I'll go with the biscuit base.
Thanks Chrys - it is delicious ... and good - you'll go with the biscuit base ... enjoy, if and when you get a chance to make it - cheers Hilary
Post a Comment