Hello my dear Grigsoners – it’s been such a long time since I last posted. I’m not making excuses but I have had a lot on with working on various writing jobs, including two books! I hope to get one Grigson recipe in before Christmas, but we will have to see about that – these final few are tricky to organise!

By the way, both of my new books praise Jane Grigson and her book English Food; how could they not when they are on the topics of the history of baking and the history of puddings? Knead to Know: a History of Baking is out now and published by Icon Books, and The Philosophy of Puddings, published by the British Library, is out on 24 October.

ANYWAY, the reason for this post is to let you know that the 8th season of The British Food History Podcast has begun, kicking off with a 3-part celebration of Jane Grigson and her book English Food which is 50 years old this year! What a milestone for this most wonderful of cookery books.

In the first episode I speak to four very special guests: Sam Bilton, Annie Gray, Ivan Day and Jill Norman about Jane Grigson and her wonderful book: what and who influenced her, the quality of her writing, the thoroughness of her research and, of course, favourite recipes from English Food. Listen here:

In episode two I speak with Jane’s daughter Sophie Grigson about what inspired Jane to write three editions of English food, why I chose Jane’s book to cook from, singin’ hinnies, Sussex pond pudding, Jane’s dislike of rhubarb, and many other things. It was such an honour to talk to Sophie about her mum. Listen here:

Episode three will be out soon!