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Half-eaten cookie found inside 1529 manuscript

When it comes to marking a book page, we all have our habits. Some fold the page corner back lightly, others use fancy bookmarks or ribbon to save their spot. All reasonable methods to choose from, but someone had other ideas—food. Recently, a librarian found a 1529 manuscript with a half-eaten cookie stuffed between two pages. The strange situation went viral when Cambridge University Library Special Collections tweeted a photo of the cookie stuffed inside the book, a copy of St. Augustine dating back to 1592. The library tweeted a photo of the scene with this gentle reminder for guests: Today’s unexpected discovery in a 1529 volume of Augustine. For future reference, we have acid free paper to mark your place. Please don’t use baked goods.” The cookie appears to be chocolate chip, but it’s believed to have happened about 50 years ago, according to The Vintage News, and before…

Queen Elizabeth’s pastry chefs share her favorite gingerbread biscuit recipe

Mince pies and Christmas pudding aren’t the only sweet treats served at Buckingham Palace, of course. Luckily for those of us not dining with the Royals this holiday, a palace pastry chef has revealed (via the Official Royal Family Website) another one of the Queen’s festive favorites — gingerbread biscuits. And the secret recipe has been shared online for you to try. With only a few ingredients, it’s the kind of recipe you can whip up last minute with ingredients you already have if you’re behind on your holiday baking. Of course the decoration on the biscuits at Buckingham Palace will be the definition of perfection, while the rest of us are left to struggle with keeping the lines straight, but none-the-less, it will be fun to have a taste of one of the things the beloved monarchy loves most at her Christmas table. One tip offered by a royal…

These are the top beer producing countries in Europe, report shows

As an American beer drinker, when you think of European beers, Germany is probably first country to come to mind. Of course, Germany is well-known for its annual Oktoberfest party, big beer steins, and influence on American beers. But the United Kingdom has had a major influence as well, thanks to the ever rising popularity of the India pale ale. And what about the profusion of Irish pubs and Guinness? If you think about it, it would be hard to guess what country in Europe actually produces the most beer. Food Ingredients First reported that The Brewers of Europe trade association released data report from last year. Seven nations were highlighted as top beer producers. Unsurprisingly, Germany led the list, producing 9.3 billion liters of beer in 2017 — accounting for 23 percent of Europe’s beer production. The United Kingdom and Poland tied for second place with production at 4…

Men are embarrassed to adopt vegetarian diets, study shows

Vegetarian and vegan diets might be having a moment, but according to a study conducted by the British University of Southhampton, men are embarrassed to order vegetarian food. Researches with the Man Food Project surveyed 22 men to explore the social and cultural pressures men are under when it comes to dining out. The group was split into three categories: men who were vegetarian for environmental reasons, those who wanted to build muscle without relying on meat, and those who were on economically restricted diets. In most cases, regardless of the reasons behind their diet, the participants expressed embarrassment and shame around ordering meatless meals. “A number of them relayed different experiences that indicated shame, embarrassment, or conflict-avoidance that on occasion led them to eat meat, or offer meat to guests in their house,” Dr. Emma Roe, lead researcher and professor at the University of Southhamton, told Munchies. Roe explained…

Marriage can make a difference in heart health

Britain’s Prince Harry tied the knot with Hollywood’s Meghan Markle in what some may consider a fairy tale wedding. Throughout their married lives, the royal couple will receive many perks like travel and tax dollars, but among them is one perk that they share with all of us commoners. Research has shown that being married reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. According to a study published in December in the Journal of the American Heart Association, marriage has an actual positive impact on the heart. It’s the first study of its kind to show an association between marital status and heart-disease related deaths. “I was somewhat surprised by the magnitude of the influence of being married,” said Dr. Arshed A. Quyyumi, co-director of the emory Clinical Cardiovascular Research Institute at Emory University in Atlanta and the study’s lead researcher. There are various reasons why marriage make a difference in heart health. “Other than…

14 foods that have different names in the UK and US

Between binge watching The Crown, fascinations with the new Royal baby and the upcoming Royal wedding, it seems all of the Western world has become unapologetic Anglophiles. But just because you’ve taken up drinking tea and wearing Burberry doesn’t mean you’re a full-blown expert on British culture. In fact, you may even struggle just looking at a simple restaurant menu. Americans and Brits speak the same language, but after 400 years of history and one giant ocean of separation, navigating the two dialects can be difficult. For anyone planning an upcoming trip to England (or anyone just looking to expand their studies past six seasons of Downtown Abbey) here are 14 foods that go by different names across the pond. (UK — US) Abergine — Eggplant Brits call the purple vegetable “aubergine” instead of “eggplant.” Keep an eye out next time you’re shopping. Some American retailers have picked up on the word, and you’ll see that dark purple shirt or accessory…

The World’s Best Cheese has been named

The best cheese in the world has been named, and neither Italy nor France can claim the honor. It’s created in Cornwall, a county in southwest England. The cheese is called Cornish Kern, and it now officially the Supreme Champion of the 2017 World Cheese Awards. Produced by Lynher Dairies, the cow’s milk cheese has a dark black, wax-like rind. Lynher Dairies describes the cheese as being “buttery with caramel notes.” According to iNews, it’s a “Gouda-style recipe” and is made with “Alpine starter cultures.” It’s aged for about 16 months, producing a hard, “flaky and almost dry” cheese. Cornish Kern beats hundreds of cheeses from around the world to win “World’s Best Cheese” title https://t.co/aoVE6mqjp5 pic.twitter.com/3Jq6GBunw0 — Eater London (@eaterlondon) November 18, 2017 It might not be a region commonly thought of for cheese, but this isn’t the first time Cornish cheese has received international recognition. A variety called Cornish Blue won Best…

Pippa Middleton’s extravagant wedding menu

From her star-studded guest list to her gorgeous dress, every minute of Pippa Middleton’s star-studded wedding to hedge fund CEO James Matthews will be detailed and directed for days to come. But let’s cut to the most important part. What was on the menu? The Telegraph reports that guests were invited to partake in a champagne reception with Ruinart Blanc de Blanc Champagne along with the bride and groom’s favorite foods including a cheese wheel, fruit cake and finger foods and vegetables for the children. An estimated 20,000 canapés were served from high-end caterers Table Talk and Blue Strawberry. One guest is said to have divulged details on the appetizers, describing the muntjac carpaccio with a mushroom filling, fresh langoustine served on langoustine claws, and asparagus spears with hollandaise sauce. Must of the service included traditional British fare like the chef station slicing and serving serrano ham to order from huge legs of ham.…

Pippa Middleton’s restrictive and risky pre-wedding diet

What does a British socialite and sister to the Duchess of Cambridge eat to drop pounds just days before her wedding? In less than one month, Pippa Middleton will marry James Matthews, chief executive of Eden Rock Capital Management Group, which has offices in London. The world has been watching Pippa since 2011 when she walked into Westminster Abbey lifting the train of Kate Middleton’s royal wedding dress. While it was her backside that had us wondering what she ate then, with impending nuptials of her own, we wonder what she may be doing now to get in even better shape — if that’s possible. Elle reported that Pippa was photographed leaving a fancy fitness center in London, on Wednesday after taking a 75-minute pilates class. Elle also gave details of Pippa’s pre-wedding diet — something most of us have never heard of — The Sirtfood Diet. The strict diet includes 20 specific foods,…

Report reveals the dirtiest drink to order at a pub

Your shoes might stick to the floor when you walk in, and the bar might be covered in peanuts, but chances are none of that would stop you from grabbing a drink at your local dive bar. We expect that no matter how “divey” our favorite watering hole is, that the drinks, at least, are in the clear — right? Wrong. As reported by The Independent, a recent study conducted by independent accreditation organization Cask Marque, looked at 22,000 pubs throughout the U.K  and used 220,000 smart devices to determine the cleanliness of the beer lines — the route your beer takes from the basement to the glass. The study found the lines are often neglected, meaning that your beer flows through dirty pipes on its way to your glass — right before being served to you with a smile. Cider specifically was cited as the worst with 44% being pulled through dirty lines. Stout came in…