A Taste of the Past

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A Taste of the Past Cookery courses, public speaking and small scale catering based on traditional recipes from today, yesterday and much further in the past.

I run small class bread making courses. My aim is to always make sure that customers have a relaxing day out with a tasty lunch as well as learn to make some very nice bread.

https://www.mersthamwomensgroup.com/event-details/beginners-bread-makingIt has been a very long time but I am running a ...
30/03/2023

https://www.mersthamwomensgroup.com/event-details/beginners-bread-making
It has been a very long time but I am running a one off bread making afternoon for my local women's group. Place are strictly limited and very very cheap as everyone will be doing their own washing up. Please do have a look if you are interest.

Make a batch of basic dough and turn it into 2 different and tasty breads.

Lovely evening talking to the ladies of Horley Tangent a out the history of bread.
19/11/2019

Lovely evening talking to the ladies of Horley Tangent a out the history of bread.

02/09/2019

Proving that you don't need fancy equipment to make amazing bread.

28/04/2019

Lovely bread shaping and slashing

Please share because it turns out that despite all the great sounds bites you hear, old, rich men are still unable to co...
27/04/2019

Please share because it turns out that despite all the great sounds bites you hear, old, rich men are still unable to cope with young, intelligent women. She is fighting for our future, unlike a certain Telegraph columnist who delights in insulting her, he is fighting for his investment portfolio.

As the rumours, lies and constant leaving out of well established facts continue, please share this newly updated clarification about me and my school strike.
Please help me communicate this to the grown ups who lie about me and family so that I can focus on school instead:

Recently I’ve seen many rumors circulating about me and enormous amounts of hate. This is no surprise to me. I know that since most people are not aware of the full meaning of the climate crisis (which is understandable since it has never been treated as a crisis) a school strike for the climate would seem very strange to people in general.
So let me make some things clear about my school strike.

In may 2018 I was one of the winners in a writing competition about the environment held by Svenska Dagbladet, a Swedish newspaper. I got my article published and some people contacted me, among others was Bo Thorén from Fossil Free Dalsland. He had some kind of group with people, especially youth, who wanted to do something about the climate crisis.
I had a few phone meetings with other activists. The purpose was to come up with ideas of new projects that would bring attention to the climate crisis. Bo had a few ideas of things we could do. Everything from marches to a loose idea of some kind of a school strike (that school children would do something on the schoolyards or in the classrooms). That idea was inspired by the Parkland Students, who had refused to go to school after the school shootings.
I liked the idea of a school strike. So I developed that idea and tried to get the other young people to join me, but no one was really interested. They thought that a Swedish version of the Zero Hour march was going to have a bigger impact. So I went on planning the school strike all by myself and after that I didn’t participate in any more meetings.

When I told my parents about my plans they weren’t very fond of it. They did not support the idea of school striking and they said that if I were to do this I would have to do it completely by myself and with no support from them.
On the 20 of august I sat down outside the Swedish Parliament. I handed out fliers with a long list of facts about the climate crisis and explanations on why I was striking. The first thing I did was to post on Twitter and Instagram what I was doing and it soon went viral. Then journalists and newspapers started to come. A Swedish entrepreneur and business man active in the climate movement, Ingmar Rentzhog, was among the first to arrive. He spoke with me and took pictures that he posted on Facebook. That was the first time I had ever met or spoken with him. I had not communicated or encountered with him ever before.

Many people love to spread rumors saying that I have people ”behind me” or that I’m being ”paid” or ”used” to do what I’m doing. But there is no one ”behind” me except for myself. My parents were as far from climate activists as possible before I made them aware of the situation.
I am not part of any organization. I sometimes support and cooperate with several NGOs that work with the climate and environment. But I am absolutely independent and I only represent myself. And I do what I do completely for free, I have not received any money or any promise of future payments in any form at all. And nor has anyone linked to me or my family done so.
And of course it will stay this way. I have not met one single climate activist who is fighting for the climate for money. That idea is completely absurd.
Furthermore I only travel with permission from my school and my parents pay for tickets and accommodations.

My family has written a book together about our family and how me and my sister Beata have influenced my parents way of thinking and seeing the world, especially when it comes to the climate. And about our diagnoses.
That book was due to be released in May. But since there was a major disagreement with the book company, we ended up changing to a new publisher and so the book was released in august instead.
Before the book was released my parents made it clear that their possible profits from the book ”Scener ur hjärtat” will be going to 8 different charities working with environment, children with diagnoses and animal rights.

And yes, I write my own speeches. But since I know that what I say is going to reach many, many people I often ask for input. I also have a few scientists that I frequently ask for help on how to express certain complicated matters. I want everything to be absolutely correct so that I don’t spread incorrect facts, or things that can be misunderstood.

Some people mock me for my diagnosis. But Asperger is not a disease, it’s a gift. People also say that since I have Asperger I couldn’t possibly have put myself in this position. But that’s exactly why I did this. Because if I would have been ”normal” and social I would have organized myself in an organisation, or started an organisation by myself. But since I am not that good at socializing I did this instead. I was so frustrated that nothing was being done about the climate crisis and I felt like I had to do something, anything. And sometimes NOT doing things - like just sitting down outside the parliament - speaks much louder than doing things. Just like a whisper sometimes is louder than shouting.

Also there is one complaint that I ”sound and write like an adult”. And to that I can only say; don’t you think that a 16-year old can speak for herself? There’s also some people who say that I oversimplify things. For example when I say that "the climate crisis is a black and white issue”, ”we need to stop the emissions of greenhouse gases” and ”I want you to panic”. But that I only say because it’s true. Yes, the climate crisis is the most complex issue that we have ever faced and it’s going to take everything from our part to ”stop it”. But the solution is black and white; we need to stop the emissions of greenhouse gases.
Because either we limit the warming to 1,5 degrees C over pre industrial levels, or we don’t. Either we reach a tipping point where we start a chain reaction with events way beyond human control, or we don’t. Either we go on as a civilization, or we don’t. There are no gray areas when it comes to survival.
And when I say that I want you to panic I mean that we need to treat the crisis as a crisis. When your house is on fire you don’t sit down and talk about how nice you can rebuild it once you put out the fire. If your house is on fire you run outside and make sure that everyone is out while you call the fire department. That requires some level of panic.

There is one other argument that I can’t do anything about. And that is the fact that I’m ”just a child and we shouldn’t be listening to children.” But that is easily fixed - just start to listen to the rock solid science instead. Because if everyone listened to the scientists and the facts that I constantly refer to - then no one would have to listen to me or any of the other hundreds of thousands of school children on strike for the climate across the world. Then we could all go back to school.
I am just a messenger, and yet I get all this hate. I am not saying anything new, I am just saying what scientists have repeatedly said for decades. And I agree with you, I’m too young to do this. We children shouldn’t have to do this. But since almost no one is doing anything, and our very future is at risk, we feel like we have to continue.


And if you have any other concern or doubt about me, then you can listen to my TED talk ( https://www.ted.com/talks/greta_thunberg_the_disarming_case_to_act_right_now_on_climate/up-next ), in which I talk about how my interest for the climate and environment began.

And thank you everyone for your kind support! It brings me hope.
/Greta

Ps I was briefly a youth advisor for the board of the non profit foundation “We don’t have time”. It turns out they used my name as part of another branch of their organisation that is a start up business. They have admitted clearly that they did so without the knowledge of me or my family. I no longer have any connection to “We don’t have time”. Nor does anyone in my family. They have deeply apologised for what has happened and I have accepted their apology.

11/11/2018

I will be suspending A Taste of the Past for a few months while I work on some re-branding but, more importantly, until the economy is in a better place and people have the money for a few little luxuries. It has been great fun but it is getting harder and harder to get bookings. I will carry on with the blog from time to time and the recipe page will stay up.

13/10/2018

Green Tomato Chutney The best way I know to use up unripe tomatoes. I will be looking for more recipes this week, I'll let you know if I ...

Recipe time, it has been a while since i have time to write up a recipe but here goes...
13/10/2018

Recipe time, it has been a while since i have time to write up a recipe but here goes...

Green Tomato Chutney The best way I know to use up unripe tomatoes. I will be looking for more recipes this week, I'll let you know if I ...

Our next course is beginners bread making where we go through the basics of making white and wholemeal dough and then tu...
12/10/2018

Our next course is beginners bread making where we go through the basics of making white and wholemeal dough and then turn them into very different loaves. Lunch on this course is "make it yourself" frying pan pizza with my special recipe pizza topping followed by chocolate semi-freddo and forest fruits.

The total cost for the day of baking is £70, a lot less than equivalent courses because I run my bread days in village halls. We even do your washing up for you. For more details see my web page or look on Trip Advisor at some of the comments from my customers.
http://www.tasteofthepast.co.uk/bread-making-classes/

Thank you to Bryony for sending me pictures of her breads from last week's Mediterranean course.  I hope that they taste...
12/10/2018

Thank you to Bryony for sending me pictures of her breads from last week's Mediterranean course. I hope that they tasted as good as they look :-)!

We still have a few places on two of our lovely bread making courses in November.  Beginners bread making on the 3rd and...
03/10/2018

We still have a few places on two of our lovely bread making courses in November. Beginners bread making on the 3rd and traditional British recipes on the 10th of November. Both courses £70 each, includes making 3 breads, a lovely, home-cooked lunch, refreshments and recipes notes to take home. Visit our web page or call 07999871053 for more details.
http://www.tasteofthepast.co.uk/bread-making-classes/

See our TripAdvisor page for feedback
https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g1182810-d11824868-Reviews-Taste_of_the_Past_Cookery_Courses-Redhill_Surrey_England.html

Tear and share chocolate bread, split tin loaves rising and a  frying pan pizza, all  breads you can learn to make on ou...
11/09/2018

Tear and share chocolate bread, split tin loaves rising and a frying pan pizza, all breads you can learn to make on our Beginners Bread Making course. The cheesecake is homemade and is typical of the sort of dessert we serve as part of the relaxed lunch we enjoy while the breads rise.

Our one day courses run in a village hall in Surrey with small class sizes, lots of help and advice and your lunch included in the price.

For more details of our next beginners bread and other fantastic courses why not have a look at our web site? There is a page of basic recipes there for cakes, breads, jams and more as well.

http://www.tasteofthepast.co.uk/bread-making-classes/

08/09/2018
Learn to make bread on our one day, fully hands on courses in Surrey.  You learn 3 different breads on each course.  Pri...
08/09/2018

Learn to make bread on our one day, fully hands on courses in Surrey. You learn 3 different breads on each course. Prices are £70 to £75 for a full day of baking and includes a home cooked lunch, refreshments and recipes.
7th Oct Mediterranean Breads
3rd Nov Beginners Breads
10 Nov British Breads
8th Dec Festive Baking

Visit our page for links or email [email protected]

This is definitely one to follow up and check. So many people have problems digesting bread......
06/09/2018

This is definitely one to follow up and check. So many people have problems digesting bread......

Study blames Roundup herbicide for gluten intolerance and celiac disease epidemic “Celiac disease, and, more generally, gluten intolerance, is a growing problem worldwide, but especially in North America and Europe, where an estimated 5% of the population now suffers from it,” researchers wrote ...

05/09/2018

I have some last minutes places for this autumn.
6th October Mediterranean Breads
3rd November Beginners Bread
10th November British Bread
8th December Festive Baking (new for this year, new recipes to try and take home with you.)

My new cover picture is a version of lardy cake.  Very different from the slightly soggy loaf that tasted of lard that I...
30/07/2018

My new cover picture is a version of lardy cake. Very different from the slightly soggy loaf that tasted of lard that I found in a UK supermarket! This is crunchy on top, sweet and soft inside and there is not hint of lard (I use trex anyway). The name puts people off which is a shame. We make this on our British Breads Course and it is a wonderful treat. The next course is on the 10th of November. I will add a link in the comments section.

Blackberry and apple jam.  Link to the recipe below.
30/07/2018

Blackberry and apple jam. Link to the recipe below.

It is blackberry time and so I have updated my jam recipe page to include blackberry and apple jam as well as some usefu...
30/07/2018

It is blackberry time and so I have updated my jam recipe page to include blackberry and apple jam as well as some useful hints and tips. Link in the comments section below.

New page

Bit hard to show in a house window but I always have my 5 star certificate with me at courses if anyone would like to se...
24/05/2018

Bit hard to show in a house window but I always have my 5 star certificate with me at courses if anyone would like to see it.

We’ve just published the 2017 report on the display of the food hygiene ratings and business survey. Find out the latest display rates, business attitudes towards the scheme and views on mandatory display in England, Wales and Northern Ireland here: http://ow.ly/33U250hqqdS

Ever wonder about strange things you have never heard of in the supermarket?  I thought I would be adventurous and try o...
27/04/2018

Ever wonder about strange things you have never heard of in the supermarket? I thought I would be adventurous and try one of them. I bought some teff flour in the baking aisle and now I am going to try this, Injeera, the classic bread of Ethiopia. Pictures to follow.

How to make authentic Ethiopian injera, a fermented sourdough flatbread.

20/04/2018

If you’re making the most of the sunny weather this weekend, check out our handy tips to serving safe food at your barbecue or picnic. Find out more: http://ow.ly/qrdz30jAN1Z

Chocolate (or cheese and onion) monkey bread has always been the star of our beginners bread making classes.  Well known...
19/04/2018

Chocolate (or cheese and onion) monkey bread has always been the star of our beginners bread making classes. Well known on the other side of the pond, monkey bread is a pretty new idea over here but a really versatile way to turn plain bread dough into something marvelous.

14th July and 13th October Bread Making for Beginners.

This recipe from Katrina Tauchen takes it to a whole new level of indulgence.

http://splashofsomething.com/2013/10/10/eat-like-a-monkey-gingermonkeybread/

16/04/2018
Fougasse and ciabatta made on our Med Bread course.  The next date for this course is the 6th of October.  Cost £70 for ...
16/04/2018

Fougasse and ciabatta made on our Med Bread course. The next date for this course is the 6th of October.

Cost £70 for a full day course including excellent lunch, ingredients and all your bread to take home.

We will make these and pain viennois, a lovely, buttery bread roll that makes a delicious breakfast or for the more traditional Spanish child a, it is one half of their favourite chocolate bar sandwich.

Click on Book Now for more details or follow the link in the comments.

This is a traditional form of lardy cake.  It has a bad reputation but tastes amazing.  It is made with lard and called ...
09/04/2018

This is a traditional form of lardy cake. It has a bad reputation but tastes amazing. It is made with lard and called lardy cake. The name alone can make you feel like you are gaining several pounds and lining your mouth with the odd taste of lard.

The truth however is very different. To start with we use a vegetarian alternative to lard. This does change the taste a bit but makes it nicer to eat cold as well as warm.

The next thing to note about lardy cake is that it contains a lot less fat and sugar than a cake!

Lastly it tastes amazing! again! The middle is fruity and soft, the top is sweet, sticky and crunchy. It is nothing like the ones sold in supermarkets and really is worth the small amount of effort it takes to make. Like most fancy breads it starts off with a basic recipe and just needs a few tweaks to transform it completely.

Learn how to make this lovely bread on our British Bread celebration course. Link below in the comments or click on the Book Now button.

Healthy snack time....
08/04/2018

Healthy snack time....

It is that time of the year again.... ...when you really crave something other than chocolate Here are 3 recipes for something a...

25/03/2018

Stuart Day at my daughter's school tomorrow so my kitchen is full of love apples, mixed grain bread, gingerbread and quince sweets. Now all I have to do is fit into the period cook's outfit I made 15 years ago.....eeek

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Our Story

We run amazing bread making courses in a village hall in Surrey. Fully hands on, customers make three different types of bread and while they wait for it to rise we all sit down to a lovely, 2 course lunch that is included in the cost of the course. The emphasis is always on home baking, we use domestic equipment and ovens so everything you do on one of our courses can easily be repeated at home.

Not a baker by trade, I used to help a friend run her off-site catering business. After a while we realised that if we wanted good bread then we would have to make it ourselves and so a life long love of real bread was born.

Our courses cost 70 pounds sterling for a day of baking, all your course notes, ingredients and a lovely, home cooked lunch. You also get to take home your breads as well.