I can't tell you what the source of this recipe is. It is hand-written on a page of foolscap paper along with another custard recipe for a simple Cup Custard . . . Get Well Custard . . . how could you NOT fall in love with something with that for a name?
Only five ordinary simple ingredients . . . . nothing fancy or out of the ordinary . . . whole milk, single cream (light cream), sugar (just a tiny bit), gelatin and vanilla . . . that's it. Simple things. Simple to make and not too sweet, it is delicious just as it is . . . which makes it perfect for the sick room and for appetites and tummy's that may still be somewhat tender and recovering from illness . . .but, we like to add a few berries to the top. Its fabulous!
- 1 TBS powdered gelatin (the equivalent of 4 gelatin sheets)
- 2 TBS sugar
- 1 cup (240ml) single cream (coffee cream, half and half)
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla
- They did not have powdered gelatin in the U.K. Instead they used leaf gelatin. Both work very well.
- As you can see this is not a really sweet dessert. I used Kirkland organic granulated sugar. In the U.K. I would use caster sugar.
- Single cream is the equivalent of what we call half in half or coffee cream here in North America.
- Whole milk or 3% is what you need to give this delicate dessert it's proper rich flavor. Low fat milk will not be the same.
- Use pure vanilla extract.
- Soften the gelatin in the milk in a saucepan for 5 minutes. (If you are using leaf gelatin, soak in cold water for 5 minutes, then remove and squeeze out any excess water. Add the softened sheets to the milk in a saucepan.)
- Add the cream and sugar. Heat over low heat, stirring until the gelatin and sugar have dissolved completely. (It should no longer feel gritty in the pan. Do not allow to boil.)
- Whisk in the vanilla.
- Pour into dessert cups and chill in the refrigerator until firm. (I pour it into a large measuring cup before pouring it into the dessert cups to prevent any spillage.)
- Read through the recipe several times prior to beginning to help familiarize yourself with any ingredients.
- Assemble everything you need to make this dessert before you begin.
- Follow the instructions with exactness.
- Make sure the gelatin is perfectly softened.
- Heat the mixture gently to dissolve the sugar.
- Leave overnight or for at least several hours to allow it to set up properly.
- If serving with fresh fruit, make sure you wash the fruit thoroughly and pat dry with some paper towels.
- If serving with tinned fruit, make sure you drain the fruit very well.
Get Well Custard
Quite simply delicious. Serve with fresh berries or tinned fruit. A dollop of whipped cream on top is also really nice.
Ingredients
- 1 TBS powdered gelatin (the equivalent of 4 gelatin sheets)
- 2 TBS sugar
- 1 cup (240ml) single cream (coffee cream, half and half)
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla
Instructions
- Soften the gelatin in the milk in a saucepan for 5 minutes. (If you are using leaf gelatin, soak in cold water for 5 minutes, then remove and squeeze out any excess water. Add the softened sheets to the milk in a saucepan.)
- Add the cream and sugar. Heat over low heat, stirring until the gelatin and sugar have dissolved completely.
- Whisk in the vanilla.
- Pour into dessert cups and chill in the refrigerator until firm.
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If you love easy comfort food with a little personality, these Hot & Crusty Curried Franks are about to become a new favorite. This budget‑friendly recipe takes everyday hot dogs and transforms them into something unexpectedly delicious with a creamy lightly spiced curried ketchup, honey mustard, and sweet pickle and a golden, buttery, toasty finish.
They are quick to make, perfect for busy weeknights, and packed with the kind of nostalgic flavor that feels both familiar and fun. Whether you’re feeding kids, craving something simple, or just want a cheerful twist on a classic, this dish delivers warm, satisfying comfort in every bite.
- 6 slices of soft white sandwich bread, crusts trimmed off
- 3 TBS curried ketchup (see notes below)
- honey mustard to taste
- 3 pickled gherkins, chopped (Or hot dog relish to taste)
- softened butter for spreading
- 6 smoked frankfurters
- Make sure your bread slices are sized large, very fresh and not too thick. This will make it much easier to roll out.
- I used French's Honey Mustard. I really like Honeycup, but that has become very difficult to find where I live. You can use Dijon mustard or German mustard if you are not a fan of Honey Mustard.
- I make my own curried ketchup by whisking together 3 TBS of tomato ketchup and 1 tsp medium strength curry powder. You can of course adjust this as per your own taste.
- I prefer to use sweet pickle relish rather than chopped gherkins.
- You can melt the butter if you find it easier to brush on rather than spread with the butter. The fresher your bread the easier it is to brush the butter on rather than spread.
- I used Schneiders all beef frankfurter/hotdogs.
- I did sprinkle some crispy fried onions on top prior to baking as a garnish. This is entirely optional.
- Preheat the oven to 190*C/375*F/ gas mark 5. Have ready a flat baking sheet. (I like to line it with some baking parchment._
- Flatten the bread with a rolling pin to make it more pliable. Spread each slice on one side with softened butter. (Do not skip the rolling step. It is essential. You can melt the butter if you would rather do so than using softened butter.)
- Flip each slice over and spread each one with 1/2 TBS curried ketchup, some honey mustard and about 1 tsp chopped pickled gherkin. (Remember less is more. Don't overdo any of these fillings. I like to use hot dog relish instead of pickled gherkin for it's sweetness.)
- Lay a frankfurter at one long end of each slice of bread and roll up tightly. Secure with a couple of cocktail sticks and place onto the baking tray. (The long edge of the bread is the side which is the longest. Do secure to prevent them from flying apart in the oven.)
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Remove the cocktail sticks before serving.
- Read through the recipe several times before beginning to help familiarize yourself with ingredients and equipment needed.
- Assemble everything you need to make this recipe before you begin. This can help to prevent you from leaving anything integral to the recipe out by accident.
- Use the right kind of bread. Thinly sliced white bread is recommended. You will need to remove the crusts.
- Roll the bread with a rolling pin to help to make it pliable and easier to roll up around the frankfurter and fillings.
- Less is more. Don't be tempted to spread the fillings onto the bread too thickly. Doing so will make it more difficult to roll the bread around the frankfurters. You can always serve extra ketchup, mustard or relish for dipping them in after they are baked if you wish.
- Secure them tightly with cocktail sticks while they are baking to help prevent them from flying open in the cooking process. Do remove them before serving.

Hot & Crusty Curried Franks
Deliciously different. Quick and easy to make, these go great with some hot soup, or a salad on the side. For an optional garnish and a bit of crunch why not sprinkle the tops with some crispy fried onions before baking?
Ingredients
- 6 slices of soft white sandwich bread, crusts trimmed off
- 3 TBS curried ketchup (see notes below)
- honey mustard to taste
- 3 pickled gherkins, chopped (Or hot dog relish to taste)
- softened butter for spreading
- 6 smoked frankfurters
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 190*C/375*F/ gas mark 5. Have ready a flat baking sheet. I like to line it with some baking parchment.
- Flatten the bread with a rolling pin to make it more pliable. Spread each slice on one side with softened butter.
- Flip each slice over and spread each one with 1/2 TBS curried ketchup, some honey mustard and about 1 tsp chopped pickled gherkin.
- Lay a frankfurter at one long end of each slice of bread and roll up tightly. Secure with a couple of cocktail sticks and place onto the baking tray.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Remove the cocktail sticks before serving.
Notes
You can easily make your own curried ketchup. Simply whisk 3 TBS of tomato ketchup together with 1 tsp medium curry powder (or to taste.)
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Ingredients are easily varied to accommodate your own tastes and/or to multiply to feed more than just two people.
- 1/4 cup (57g) butter, at room temperature
- 2 TBS grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 slices of bakery white bread
- 2 slices of American processed cheese
- 1/2 cup (56g) grated strong cheddar cheese
- 2 TBS garlic and herb cheese spread
- I used salted butter as that is all I have in my house. Do make sure it is at room temperature for easier mixing and spreading.
- Grate your own Parmesan cheese if you can. I used the smallest holes on my box grater, not too fine. This way the cheese shows up in the finished sandwich.
- I used some of the white bread that we had got at Pelton's at the weekend.
- I used Kraft Extra Cheddar Processed Cheese slices.
- I used a good quality British Strong White Cheddar. Again, grate it yourself if possible.
- I used Boursin Herb and Garlic Cheese. Make sure it is at room temperature for easier spreading.
- Preheat your oven to 450*F/230*C/ gas mark 7. Have ready a quarter sheet pan. (9 by 15 inches.) (For a crispy head start, put the sheet pan in the oven to preheat while you are preheating the oven.)
- Mix your butter and parmesan cheese together until smooth. Spread a portion on this on one side of each slice of bread. Place two slices buttered side down on the baking sheet. (I used a spoon to mash the cheese and butter together. If your butter is at room temperature this is much easier.)
- Top each of the slices of bread on the baking sheet with one slice of processed cheese and then half of the grated cheddar. (Be careful not to burn yourself if you have preheated the baking sheet.)
- Spread the garlic and herb cheese onto the unbuttered side of the remaining slices of bread and then place garlic and herb cheese side down (butter side up) on top of the cheese covered slices of bread on the baking sheet. (Spreading the garlic and herb cheese was the most difficult bit. I highly recommend having it at room temperature as well.)
- Bake in the preheated oven for 5 minutes, then flip over and bake for a further 5 to 6 minutes until the sandwich is well toasted and the cheese has melted inside.
- Serve immediately.
- The thicker the bread, the better. Use thick-cut white bread to ensure a sturdy and crispy sandwich.
- Be generous! Spread the softened butter generously on each slice of bread, reaching all the edges for even browning.
- Make it crispy by placing the baking sheet in the oven as it preheats. Then, carefully build the grilled cheese on the hot tray. This guarantees crispy bread.
- Oven placement is key. Bake on the bottom rack to ensure the bread gets evenly toasted and the cheese melts perfectly.
- Baking sheet size. If you have a large enough baking sheet, place all 4 slices of bread, butter side down, on the tray and divide the cheese between them. Bake until golden and melty, then carefully sandwich them together.
- Take a shortcut. Use pre-sliced cheese for convenience. Layer slices of processed cheese and cheddar if you prefer not to grate the cheese.
- Experiment with add-ins. For extra flavor, customize your sandwiches with add-ins like sliced tomatoes, bacon, caramelized onions, or avocado.
- Make it a meal. Pair your grilled cheese with tomato soup, a fresh salad, or crispy fries for a complete and satisfying meal.

Sheet Pan Grilled Cheese for Two
Crisp on the outside, with a lovely cheesy filling and coating. This delicious sandwich is a real winner and very easily done! See notes for air fryer instructions.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup (57g) butter, at room temperature
- 2 TBS grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 slices of bakery white bread
- 2 slices of American processed cheese
- 1/2 cup (56g) grated strong cheddar cheese
- 2 TBS garlic and herb cheese spread
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450*F/230*C/ gas mark 7. Have ready a quarter sheet pan. (9 by 15 inches.)
- Mix your butter and parmesan cheese together until smooth. Spread a portion on this on one side of each slice of bread. Place two slices buttered side down on the baking sheet.
- Top each of the slices of bread on the baking sheet with one slice of processed cheese and then half of the grated cheddar.
- Spread the garlic and herb cheese onto the unbuttered side of the remaining slices of bread and then place garlic and herb cheese side down (butter side up) on top of the cheese covered slices of bread on the baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 5 minutes, then flip over and bake for a further 5 to 6 minutes until the sandwich is well toasted and the cheese has melted inside.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
To air fry this sandwich, preheat your air fryer to 360*F/185*C. Place the sandwich in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 5 minutes. Flip over and air fry for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until golden brown and the cheese has melted. Repeat for the other sandwich.
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