20.9.13

Go, Higgidy, Go


It must be a testament to my mother’s cooking that two of her children have found themselves involved in the food world. I’ve joined the alluring food styling & writing end but it’s my brother that’s doing the hard work: making better British pies. 

It is this family connection that means my regular Sainsbury’s trips include one duty that isn’t on the shopping list. On the chilled isle, next to the ready made mash and the picnic quiches, I arrange boxes of Higgidy pies making sure each one is facing twelve o’clock and the various varieties are all aligned – you never know what can entice a sale. 

A ridiculous career move saw James and his wife Camilla pack in their day jobs and, fuelled by Camilla’s fervour for food, switch to the world of food. Having sacrificed their careers, their house and their life in London they worked hard to create the Higgidy empire which now boasts a range of pies, skinny pies, tarts and quiches all of which are handmade in nearby Shoreham-by-Sea.  

The pies are spectacular; though you wouldn't expect anything less when you see the love that creates them.  Take the Beef and Ale – the stew is cooked for three hours to allow the meat to become tender and then left for a further day to develop flavour, no rushing allowed.  I’m not sure Ginsters could say the same.

After gentle persuasion Camilla decided she would be brave (and generous) and throw all her beloved recipes & cooking know-how in a book. It's really fun! Chapters on simple suppers, ideas to cook for big celebrations, quirky pastry tips all muddled with adorable Higgidy speak. 

I saw from the inside the energy and spirit that has been poured into the pages; the late nights, the testing, the re-testing, the cups of coffee and the laughter. The result is brilliant, charming and incredibly useful. I really do think you might like it just as much as I do. 
http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Higgidy-Cookbook-Recipes-Pies/dp/1782062890/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1379666370&sr=8-1&keywords=HIggidy+Pies




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