The Victorian Christmas kitchen

As the festive season gathers pace, join Mark Griffin and Kathy Hipperson to discover the delights of historical seasonal food. Take inspiration from the Victorian kitchen and try some traditional dishes this Christmas.

[@raurino]

Wherever Kathy Hipperson goes, I follow.

[@charitysheppard4549]

I just LOVE Kathy. She is by far one of the best historical interpreters I've ever seen!!

[@marinasousa1527]

I am right there with you!!!!!!

[@corvuscorone7735]

Same, bro, same!

[@bluie2889]

same

[@deaconsmom2000]

We're a cult and Kathy is our Queen.

[@pistolannie6500]

Who else was waiting for her to say?..And for this recipe.....

[@67ilsalund]

you will need....😄

[@derekauret3962]

@@67ilsalund 1

[@mikerosales8622]

Hahahaha

[@wednesdayaddams7033]

Lot of brandy..

[@kkstanley6635]

You will need....

[@ugochukwuanadyk6954]

Is it just me or does it feel strange seeing her using a modern stove

[@feliciaafifi9664]

I thought that was a bit strange. They are trying to remain authentic and yet the modern stove kind of ruins it. I would have liked to see how the pudding etc. cooked with the stove that was actually used during that time.

[@Madmax-iy8fi]

Modern?that's a Victorian stove

[@ugochukwuanadyk6954]

@@Madmax-iy8fi Nope It's modern

[@KanishQQuotes]

Blasphemy

[@suesmithers305]

That modern stove does look out of place!

[@thealphaandomega9348]

She didn't say "For this recipe, You will need..."

[@davidcheater4239]

This is not Mrs. Crocombe.

[@MR-jp6ju]

@Vanilla bhabi g¡rl Not today.

[@IvoryTowerPodcast]

It's weird seeing the actress for Mrs. Crocombe without the iconic glasses or spectacles.

[@P3891]

It’s also weird not hearing her throw shade at the poor

[@lanceokami3567]

@@P3891 or at her maids

[@P3891]

@@lanceokami3567 I know right

[@None.of.ya.business666]

@@lanceokami3567 "MARYANNE!"

[@simplystreeptacular]

She's an absolute stunner out of costume. Good Lord.

[@raraavis7782]

'Naturally, you will want to have some alcohol in it....' Yepp. It's definitely *her*...😄

[@MsSilentsiren]

Damn it! I'm so used to calling her Mrs. Crocombe, I forgot she was an actress/chef. LOL. Kathy.

[@khills]

Not a chef! She had to learn everything for the role of Mrs Crocombe; she's a historical reenactor, and absolutely delightful. I really recommend the new cookbook/history book they've put out, it's really good and informative. It's not just recipes, it's also food and history centered around Audley End.

[@Pluvillion]

She's not really a cook! But considering her role as Mrs. Avis Crocombe for years, I'm pretty sure she learned how to actually cook herself.

[@karentruempy397]

For someone who didn't cook much before becoming Mrs. Crocombe, Kathy is sure coming into her own making all these recipies!

[@davidcheater4239]

Kathy Hipperson is delightful cooking as herself; cooking and discussing the history.

[@authormichellefranklin]

Kathy: "You would get a kitchen maid to do this." Mark: "Are you volunteering?" Kathy: *glares in Mrs Crocombe*

[@sephorasagredo]

Me: *browsing youtube and sees Mrs Crocombe on a thumbnail* Wait, new video!? Waaaaaaait this isn't from English Heritage! But...love...Kathy...so much! Much watch!

[@TofuNapa]

This must be before Mrs Crocombe was hired at Audley End House. 😆

[@mandrinaneela]

no, he was socially distancing his finger, which suggests this is actually new.

[@deeraines9416]

It seems to have been uploaded Dec 4 of 2020.

[@TofuNapa]

@@deeraines9416 I'm aware this is a newer video just released this month, same as the Tudor food video that was recently uploaded. I was just joking as to why Kathy aka Mrs Crocombe was not at Audley End. 😅🤣

[@katbee8120]

Everyone needs to get their start somewhere. This could be before she married Mr. Crocombe. 😁😂

[@MikeEvansUK]

@@katbee8120 There was never a Mr Crocombe - Mrs was an honorary title for a woman of her age and Crocombe was her maiden name. According to English Heritage Mrs Crocombe was single at the time she worked at Audley End. When she did marry, later in life, she ceased to be employed. Presumably because married women did not work. Nggg!

[@bosellee1528]

The lost sister. Separated since birth. Share the same passion for cooking. This sister is sweeter.

[@maxinezook3835]

We can imagine she was transported from the Victorian era to the modern era & took quite a while to adjust to modern conveniences like ovens & stoves, smart phones & shocking fashions like women wearing pants!

[@SlushGuppy]

@@maxinezook3835 Ankles! Ankles everywhere!

[@czeidman8908]

Kathy, as the professional she is, did a great job of incorporating the Victorian cook into her information.

[@AkChiVibes]

Wait what. Mrs.Crocombe’s doppelgänger. Where’s the glasses. Where’s the persnickety. What am I watching. How did I get here.

[@ameyama]

I love Kathy Hipperson! She rocks

[@sarachoate88]

"For this recipe you will need"

[@RaghuvirVarma]

Armands, cayernne peppern and sorce.

[@laurarosas5899]

What a delightful way to end 2020. Thank you Ms Kathy, I absolutely adore you, thank you for making 2020 easier. From Texas, next to a Mexican border town, Feliz Ano Nuevo! Prosperidad, Salud, y Amor!

[@michaeltres]

I have made Eliza Acton's Christmas pudding for years, and it is truly fantastic. The simplicity of it somehow seems more Christmas-y to me than the elaborate productions endorsed by celebrity chefs. I use more spice than the recipe calls for, since I'm cooking for American tastes. I also age it for a couple of months, since I usually make it in October. A bit of ageing improves the flavor, but don't believe those who say it improves after years of storage! It certainly will last for years, but from my own puddings, I can say it's best after a few months and kind of creepy after more than a year.

[@mitchellswope6717]

She's such a lovely person. This was fun to watch.

[@cindland]

Wow, Mrs Crocombe, you are looking very slim and fit these days!

[@cindland]

@@MisaloSloe Chill. I was giving her a compliment. And we all know she portrays Mrs Crocombe. I think even Daniel Radcliffe is ok with fans calling him Harry Potter.

[@rosettAIRcps]

The way she looked at him when he used that rusted nutmeg grater!! 🤣🤣 I felt the same....oof

[@monochromelove3763]

I literally felt like they were lowkey going at it with each other at times, but like subtly. Still applaud them tho

[@lcunt2435]

She didn't say thank you when he passed her the fork....

[@ruthwhittemore7255]

That made me sad too 😂

[@UpandSprout]

I don’t think they care very much for working with each other.

[@lddixon2394]

The table seems a bit low for them both - bad for the back! Otherwise, very interesting and enjoyable! Thank you.

[@inisipisTV]

They choose that probably so the camera can easily capture all the ingredients layed out.

[@kontaktkaefer]

My Back hurts just from watching it!😅

[@lddixon2394]

@@kontaktkaefer Likewise! That is what prompted me to make my comment!!😂

[@eduardobarrezueta5247]

I AM IN HEAVEN! 😍 love from Guayaquil 🇪🇨 i have been watching since the first episode. I love your recipes and i made some variations for our table.

[@kathyhester3066]

This was an interesting show. I did miss Mrs. Crocombe's wit and her occasional tart remarks. When the gentleman mentioned about reading about a woman who was putting eight spoonfuls of sugar her tea I figured he was talking about someone from the South in the United States. They call that Sweet Tea and serve it iced. They call it "the House Wine of the South".

[@breeinatree4811]

For sweet iced tea the ratio of sugar to tea was one cup sugar to one gallon of tea. That's the way my husband's family makes it. I, a yankee, prefer no sugar.

[@sharonsmith583]

@@breeinatree4811 I'm a southerner who grew up on really sweet tea and now I only like unsweetened. Afraid I might get my southern card taken away any minute now.

[@breeinatree4811]

@@sharonsmith583 LOL not by me.

[@deeraines9416]

Yes, its a very southern thing and for some reason it seems that the more sugar you add the better most southerners like it. Im just the odd duck as even just 1/2 tsp of white sugar is way to sweet for me and i was born and raised Southerner.

[@healingandgrowth-infp4677]

As a Scottish lass I thought 4 spoons in my mug made me sweet toothed but I couldn't imagine 8 :-) I actually get called sweet tooth by a friend but I can not stand sweet foods that much. :-)

[@timdobday3856]

Thank you! It is wonderful to see all of these festive recipes. I think I will try and include at least one on my Christmas table this year. Oh.. I just realized what happened to the champagne jelly at the end? I'd love to see it.

[@AeanMichael]

It is late summer/early autumn here in northern New Mexico, USA, and I watched this episode again to find some solace amid the ongoing pandemic. Thank you, Landmark Trust, Ms. Hipperson, and Mr. Handsome Nice Man with the really beautiful trousers. I'd love to share some cheer with that beautiful Wassail with all of you.

[@zoomzoom885]

I’ve never heard of this lady before no offence to her but damn she can cook,reminds me of my nana cooking and my moms at Christmas. Love that cooker gonna be cheeky ask were they got it from?

[@kathyhester3066]

Sir, you are making Macarons (French) not macaroons (made w/coconut).

[@roonilwazlib3089]

He’s not french

[@catherinejustcatherine1778]

Still, he is a chef, presumably he knows the difference between the heavy & dense macaroons, and the light and fluffy macarons. They say the difference on BBO, and other English presentations. So, it's not just the French who make the distinction. Although, admittedly, I thought it was only one word until *very* recently.

[@marley7145]

@@catherinejustcatherine1778 he's not a chef. He just dresses like one.

[@catherinejustcatherine1778]

@@marley7145 I misunderstood, when he was speaking about his coat, he said something I misinterpreted. I will fix it later, if I have enough focus...

[@howtubeable]

You mean like French President Emmanuel Macaron?

[@user-oj5bw7sl8p]

I watch this wonderful program second time in a row, - obviously, it becomes a new good Chritsmas tradition, - and every time I get so amazed by the lovely manners of two chefs/historic reenactors working together in a comparably small kitchen, sharing the same table, cooking on the same small stove, - and showing such a great cooperation, good will & politeness! Well, - THAT is a real Christmas spirit!

[@KiJiHoon]

My goodness she looks identical to Mrs Crocombe!!

[@user-oj5bw7sl8p]

What an excellent program! But it is almost impossible to watch without getting hungry :)

[@canucknancy4257]

Many different lovely recipes to try out. I enjoyed all the bits of history intermixed in with the baking. Thank you for sharing these with us. Take care.

[@PupRiku]

I absolutely love a Victorian Christmas. There's a market near me every year where people dress up and have an amazing time. Fantastic.

[@FeliciaNicole86]

Place some salt on your ice. It helps bring out the cold and keeps it from melting as fast. Tip for anyone not looking to use a fridge right away when filming something victorian lol. Rock salt is best but table salt will do in a pinch.

[@breeinatree4811]

My grandmother would make her plum pudding in November and keep it in a cool dry place. Each week she would soak it in brandy for a bit. By Christmas you could get tipsy from the smell. Then she would bring it to the table and set it on fire. It was surprising that she would use so much alcohol because she was a teetotaler.

[@OofusTwillip]

My mom made her Christmas cake a year ahead of time, and poured brandy on it every couple of weeks. She didn't dare set fire to it, because it would have singed the dining room ceiling.

[@raraavis7782]

I have always wanted to try real plum pudding. But it's kinda daunting, to invest in such an elaborate recipe, if you don't even know, if you'll like the result. Are they a universally popular thing, or more a matter of taste?

[@breeinatree4811]

@@raraavis7782 think of it as a fruit cake only better tasting and not as dry. I don't put any candied fruits in mine because I think its sweet enough, but I don't like things very sweet anyway. I use fresh orange zest instead.

[@raraavis7782]

@@breeinatree4811 That's a good tip, thanks. I would probably also prefer fresh orange zest to candied fruit. I like dried fruit, but candied is not my thing, generally speaking. The thought of a cake drenched in brandy and set on fire, on the other hand....😄

[@briannemorna4268]

Or so you thought.

[@deenibeeniable]

Why does he keep calling her Kathy?? I thought her first name was Mrs.

[@Rebeccas_penmanship]

I've never made a Christmas pudding but have wanted to since I became so fascinated with all things Victorian as a young girl. I'm going to use the first recipe this year! Thank you for sharing the recipes with the history bits! (I wanted to add, I find it disheartening to see any rude or criticizing comments. Why waste your time?)

[@TiggiTheWillful]

I can’t stand dried fruit myself. I’ve only eaten Xmas pudding once as an adult and I really don’t like it. That said, my mum lives in France now and makes it for my french stepdad’s family every year lol. They love it. Each to their own I guess.

[@rosannacellini2158]

I can just imagine how delightful that kitchen smells, with all the lovely desserts being prepared. They all look so delicious. Very well done! 👍😊 🇬🇧🇺🇸

[@jonirnmomba4130]

Every now and again we get glimpses of Mrs Crocombe peek through. And I’m here for it.

[@SusanLS08]

I found this so interesting. I’m so picky in my own kitchen and have loved watching how things were done in years past. Thank you.

[@lindaweston9456]

FASCINATING! Loved the Victorian kitchen history. At first I thought, wow 55 minutes, but I watched every second with rapt attention.

[@contact3604]

👏😊 it's, it's the ladies sister from English Heritage Channel🤔😂 Moira From England.

[@ESales0314]

Nice, Mrs. Crocombe is having a field trip, no doubt spying on other people’s grand houses to report back to Lady Braybrooke. Though I miss her usual shade-throwing self

[@maurac953]

Thank you, Kathy and Mark, for presenting this interesting look at Victorian Christmas foods! Also, it was so touching to see how you respected each other's space during this weird pandemic. Hope you have happy holidays this year as well!

[@khaosssssss1727]

This sounds like the very opposite of festive. Some of it anyway.

[@BrookieWookieBee]

My mom used to slice it like bread and toast it then slather it with butter.

[@karensiegel6669]

Sounds wonderful!!

[@CoffeeLover-mz7bk]

Kathy, you have lost weight!

[@OofusTwillip]

Her costume gives that effect. Its fabrics are quite thin compared to the thick, more rigid fabric in Mrs. Crocombe's costume. Also, Mrs. Crocombe's costume has a firmer corset, and is padded to fill in the hollow between bust and armpit, giving the appearance of a fuller bust. Mrs. Crocombe works for the aristocracy. The cook in this video works in a middle-class house.

[@jessicavonmoch3361]

Oh! My! Thank you very much. I love to see more and more of the victorian cooking and kitchen.

[@catherinejustcatherine1778]

Thank you for sharing this. Happy Belated Christmas!

[@gcarson19]

Watching both of them doing food prep on a 30” high table gives me such a sympathetic backache!

[@lyndaoneill7813]

This really made me feel like Christmas.Everything looked wonderfull and tasty.Looks like all the time and effort they had to put into everything back then was worthwhile as long as you were not the poor servants slaving away all day.Love all her videos,she has a real flare for those times and explains so well.👍👍👍

[@NettiGaming]

I have to say it's certainly getting me in the spirit of things.

[@waynejarrell1]

It all seems a bit disjointed and haphazard, but enjoyable nonetheless.👍

[@shelbycostomiris6339]

I fall asleep to these videos sometimes and I wake up to my dog seriously drooling from all the food sounds lol

[@adriennewells7040]

What an amazing set of dishes! It must have been a whole day of cooking.

[@johnhpalmer6098]

Even with a modern stove, it still was a big ordeal most likely, so yes, much of a day, just to make a meal.

[@itschelseakay]

Mrs. Crocombe?! Fancy meeting you here! 😲😍

[@wwaitkus]

Am I the only one, who upon hearing that mannerless cur call that fine woman by her familiar name, thought, "How DARE you address Ms. Crocombe in such a familiar manner, you brazen lout?!"? Oh, and that is a snazzy stove for the Victorian Era. All comments about period accuracy aside, glass burner stoves suuuuuck. Go with traditional electric burners or with gas burners if available. They don't warp your pots and pans, cook more evenly, and are easier to use. If space is an issue, go with induction burners, but ONLY if you have induction compatible pots and pans. If you're feeling rustic, use cast iron on a charcoal grill, but please avoid these glass-topped nightmares.

[@TWMAC2011]

Was the yellow diced ingredient she failed to mention, candied orange peel? Recipe link?

[@noneofbizorjuliejt6466]

I like my pudding sticky so we will have to agree to differ in our tastes lol.

[@gomamon8439]

Anyone else think she should play the next Doctor?

[@justrosy5]

Honestly? I love these videos, but I'd rather not see any more new ones that put the actors and crew in harm's way. I've been re-watching the old ones, and that should help a little with monetization. I'd like to ask the rest of you here to do the same! Maybe challenge yourselves to make as many of the older recipes shown as you can! That will keep you coming back and helping with the monetization plus having a lot of fun with Mrs. Crocombe! That way everyone who works on these videos can have a nice vacation and not have to worry about money during these times. What say you? Can we show them all some love? ♥

[@galesal1109]

Am I the only who thinks she looks just like miss Minchin from a little princess? Lol

[@karensiegel6669]

@AND ANDREY ISN'T HERE yes.

[@hedgewytch88]

I watched another documentary where Ivan Day packs salt on ice to make it even colder .

[@apis1156]

MRS. CROCOME?!?!?!

[@amaltea74]

If Kathy is here...I must suscriiiibeeeee...

[@Patrick_Knowlton]

Goodness, Mrs. Crocombe seems to have cousins all over Britain!

[@user-oj5bw7sl8p]

Happy Belated Christmas! Thank you for your wonderful job!

[@LilyLovecraft]

Just sell me a special edition all Kathy set already ♥

[@suesmithers305]

Were all of those eight teaspoons of sugR put into one cup of tea?

[@tinafincham8732]

The table is very low, especially for the man who's quite tall. He may end up with a bad back. But I love to watch them both.

[@johnhpalmer6098]

Not uncommon for the cooks of the period, and most likely, many sat in a chair to do much of their prepping before standing at the stove to cook it. At least in the US, standardization of cabinets that we know today didn't begin to show until the early 1900's, with standardization of appliances etc coming in the late 30's and 40's. This was also likely before the common use of indoor plumbing as well.

[@pday2722]

Beef suet is beef fat.. I guess they didn't have lard.

[@moorwalker1223]

They had lard which is pig fat, but suet tastes better in this, and melts at a slightly higher temperature which changes the texture.

[@madasahatter5514]

The first recipe, the cake, could I substitute the beef suet with melted coconut oil to make it vegan? I would love to make it for my son this Christmas.

[@stacytompkins9274]

Did you try it? How did it turn out?

[@dianapovero7319]

I would love to see mincemeat with meat, I lost my recipe years ago.

[@gaggymott9159]

14:20 Eight SPOONSFUL, NOT spoonfuls of sugar! Please use your English language and it's working station, perfectly! 🤗🤗🤗❤❤❤

[@judybicknell8610]

Social distance your finger yet you're in the same room breathing the same air?¿? ?¿🤔¿??¿

[@haleynixt4924]

Shh... Objective reality is racist. Just like math.

[@oh_say_it_ditto]

@@haleynixt4924 racist?? wdym?

[@oh_say_it_ditto]

wdym?

[@Pluvillion]

A mix of modern and Victorian is just so beautiful.

[@deanneparis8888]

There is an old saying, everything is equal in the world, the rich have their ice in the summer, the poor have theirs during the winter. So by Christmas everyone could have their jellies, although maybe not champagne!

[@5MinutePsychology]

I’m watching this just for inspiration a few days before Christmas and I’m loving it!

[@claredriskell9833]

The best bit was the panic when Kathy realized she had forgotten the gingerbread. 😂😂😂

[@seasmacfarlane6418]

I love Kathy Hipperson, she makes everything so enjoyable to watch. 😁❤️

[@kathleenstetler609]

Wonderful! Thank you both. 👏🌲

[@s.shepherd5653]

Quite belated, but if it helps, an eighth of a pint is a quarter-cup (2 fluid ounces, or about 60 milliliters).

[@mabinogidrws]

What about the jelly?!

[@ninaelsbethgustavsen2131]

Love the victorian stove !!! 😁

[@kindredinspirit]

What was the golden bits in the dry ingredients you tossed them in while you were speaking of something else and never titled it?

[@aquaticbird]

Looks like candied orange peel.

[@paranihiaanaru4414]

That table is too low to be comfortable working there. And I don't think it's big enough for 2 people to work comfortably either. Has Kathy lost weight? It's nice to see her again

[@guymorris6596]

It's really sad and too bad my apartment kitchen is the size of one in a Hobbit house. I love to cook and bake but have to get creative with the limited space available. Cooking Italian food and baking a two layer round chocolate cake last night was a proper test of that.

[@cecemaynard9254]

KOOL 😇💖🇺🇸

[@knoxvillehermitfreemoviesm3625]

Very savory and historically informative.

[@Randomperson-lp5xn]

Its clearly delicious well we all like eggs wouldn’t we?

[@ShereeR99]

Note all the comments are about Kathy Hipperson. She is the main drawer for this video. Mark Griffin tries to be the boss chef/ main person but he is a total fail. He even tries to use Kathy as his assistant!!! She is way better than he will ever be.

[@cglenn1457]

unnecessarily rude comment.

[@debbralehrman5957]

Thanks there were a couple of new ones to me. And they all look delightful. Happy New Year🎉 to you all!!

[@curt8652]

Socially distance a finger? Oh c'mon now getting to be peak ridiculous

[@wooble73]

Wonderful programme! 👏👏

[@krenakrneki7636]

OMG, such a boring presentation..painful to watch.

[@rememberwwg1wgatogether361]

I just Love all that you do

[@timdemerath7559]

Did ms crocombe get fired from Audley end 🤨🤷🏻‍♀️

[@btrixie60]

All day yesterday I felt as though I had a bean in my 12 cake,

[@melodyayers4976]

So you are making gingerbread cookies ; they didn't make gingerbread men then?