The Platinum Jubilee Cookbook: Recipes and stories from Her Majesty’s representatives around the world
£8.30£28.50 (-71%)
Winner of ‘Best in the World’ at Gourmand World Cookbook Awards, 2023
19th century British Prime Minister Lord Palmerston once declared that ‘dining is the soul of diplomacy’ and this unique and sumptuous new book, published as part of the celebrations for Her Majesty The Queen’s 70 years on the Throne, presents 70 recipes from British embassies and high commissions around the world.
With a foreword by Their Royal Highnesses the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, this book celebrates the landmark occasion of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee by bringing 70 recipes – many of them served during Royal Visits – that are proudly British, inspired by local influences from the embassy’s host country, or a fusion of the two. Throughout, the book shows off the spectacular food and drink produce found within our shores that our embassies are proud to showcase around the world, including:
· Spanish Marmalade, from the Madrid embassy
· Green Fish Curry, from the Islamabad high commission
· Jollof Rice, from the Abuja high commission
· Mince Spies, from ‘C’, Chief of MI6
· Cardamom Lamb, from the New Delhi high commission
· Chicken Wellington, from the Lisbon embassy
· Toffee Apple and Rhubarb Crumble, from Chevening House
· Whisky-laced Bread & Butter Pudding, from the Washington D.C. embassy
Alongside the delectable recipes, stories abound of culinary diplomacy in action. Contrary to the clichés, you will not find an Ambassador’s table piled high with Ferrero Rocher, but food is central to the diplomatic cause. Ameer Kotecha delves into the Foreign Office archives to reveal diplomatic dinner party anecdotes through the years – the good, the bad and the highly entertaining – and provides contemporary stories of food being used as a potent diplomatic tool. For the first time, this book tells the story of how nations break bread as a means to resolving differences, and seek to get to the negotiating table by first starting at the dinner table.
A mixture of recipes, food history, anecdote and stunning photography, this book is an engrossing read for anyone with an interest in food, diplomacy or British heritage. With contributions from Her Majesty’s representatives around the world, it is also a celebration of Britishness that makes for a unique memento for the Platinum Jubilee, delving into an under-explored part of Her Majesty The Queen’s reign.
The author is donating 100% of royalties from sales of this book to two charities: The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust (QCT) and The Prince of Wales’s Charitable Fund (PWCF).
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Additional information
| Publisher | Jon Croft Editions (28 April 2022) |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Hardcover | 336 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0993354068 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0993354069 |
| Dimensions | 22.48 x 2.67 x 22.1 cm |
by Leslie MacDonald
As a passionate collector of cook books I couldn’t resist this one to add to my collection as the Queen celebrates her Platinum Jubilee. It’s a well compiled mix of history and recipes from around the Commonwealth. Whilst the recipes may not be particularly unusual the fact the book has a foreword by Prince Charles and Camilla certainly is. It’s a coffee table book for the next few months as British subjects reflect on the life of her Majesty as she celebrates her 70 years as sovereign. A great gift, a wonderful memento and something many of us will look back on in future years.
by Brian Clivaz
Wouldn’t buy it again.
by Mr. K. P. Rogers
This is a tremendous cookbook. It surveys recipes from across the world, exploring the link between diplomacy and food. An army marches on its stomach. They way to a person’s heart is through their belly. Indeed!
The book is handsomely produced. And the photographs and essays are all terrific.
I love this. And it’s a great memento in food for Her Majesty The Queen’s platinum jubilee.
God Save The Queen!
by EBD
An eclectic set of recipes to suit almost any occasion alongside fascinating vignettes of British diplomatic history. Beautiful book that will take pride of place on my coffee table this year.
by W Bain
I gave it as a gift, so as to the contents, I will have to wait till the recipient cooks me something.
by Mr Qahir Manji
This is wonderfully written, with a narrative that weaves across the world, and is intermixed with tasty and curious recipes, and photographs that whet the appetite, and then some. This will certainly be a book that will be a must have companion for many years to come.
by Pippa Streatfeild
Such a wonderful insight into diplomatic kitchens across the globe. And to think of all the great and the good that have eaten these thoughtfully crafted recipes!
Wonderfully written and presented, this book belongs in every cuisinely curious chef’s kitchen.
Yes, cuisinely – this book even inspired me to invent a word for it!
by SK
Beautiful photographs and fascinating insight into how British cuisine has made a mark all over the world. Genius idea to capture all of these recipes in time for the Queen’s Jubilee – looking forward to trying so many new recipes!