Lunch in London

Unless you’ve actually eaten in London recently, you probably imagine people dining badly on Beans on Toast, Bangers & Mash (sausages & mashed potatoes) and Cornish Pasties (a meat/potato/turnip/onion concoction encased in pastry). 

On the other hand, if you’re a fan of Russell Hoban’s hilarious children’s book, “How Tom Beat Captain Najork and His Hired Sportsmen,” you might even search for such unappetizing dishes as Greasy Bloaters and Mutton served with Cabbage and Potato Sog.  Roald Dahl fans might seek Mudburgers, Bird Pie and Stink Bugs’ Eggs.

These meals are no doubt still around.  But they weren’t on the menu at my friend Judy’s house when our plane landed an hour early.  We arrived before lunch instead of after it.  With no meal prepared, she reached into her cupboard for a selection of cheeses, crackers, a pot of plain yogurt, some cherry tomatoes and a few cut-up apples.  It was refreshing and healthy—the perfect antidote to jetlag.

For easy-to-make recipes, order "Help! My Apartment Has a Kitchen!"