Magnifier, smoking pipe, cup of coffee? Without a doubt, this is a detective story. And not just about any – the image of Sherlock Holmes does not lose its popularity today. According to the Statista portal in Germany, almost every fourth book on sale is a detective story, and every second reader and viewer of the country is fond of this particular genre..
A connoisseur of the detective genre Silke Martin decided to apply the famous deductive method in practice: in search of culinary evidence, she carefully studied all 56 works by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, dedicated to the fascinating investigations of the world’s most legendary detective – Sherlock Holmes. The new “business” was crowned with success: 50 recipes, compiled partly only from vague hints on a particular dish, were included in the new book by Silke Martin “Sherlock Holmes: Das Kochbuch”, published by Hölker Verlag.
Breakfast: pies, scrambled eggs, oatmeal?
Breakfast was rightfully considered the main meal of the day for the characters of Conan Doyle – readers find Sherlock Holmes and his faithful companion and biographer Dr. Watson most often. The table of the literary detectives of the new era, thanks to the efforts of the caring Mrs. Hudson, was laid for breakfast according to all the rules.
Silke Martin, “The Sherlock Holmes Cookbook”
According to Silke Martin, in addition to the obligatory orange juice, coffee and / or black tea, for breakfast at 221B on Baker Street, syrniki with blueberry jam (“Constant patient“), airy eclairs stuffed with fried champignons, scrambled eggs and finely chopped parsley (“Black Peter”) or eggs benedict (a slice of ham or bacon and poached eggs, drizzled with hollandaise sauce with finely chopped herbs, on a toasted half of a bun), as in the story “The Mystery of the Torsky Bridge”. And especially for gourmet Holmes – a curry made from chicken marinated in yoghurt cooked with coconut milk, ginger, garlic, hot chili, cinnamon and garlic (“The Sea Contract”). Suspiciously tasty waffles (buttermilk, fresh herbs, eggs, flour, baking soda, nutmeg and goat cheese) with yogurt, sour cream and lemon juice to Holmes and Watson are served in Surrey (“The Ribbon”).
A delicate omelet with mushrooms and tomatoes (and by no means oatmeal!) That literally melts in your mouth, the offspring of the old Baskerville family, Sir Henry, is offered by his prim butler Barrymore. In the same place, during the investigation of the case of the terrible monster (“The Dog of the Baskervilles”), the unsurpassed cryptanalyst Holmes and his companion Dr. Watson manage to try and quiche with leek (casserole), as Silke Martin states in his book. Whether Holmes ate the notorious oatmeal (as in the famous television series by Igor Maslennikov with Vasily Livanov and Yuri Solomin) is unknown, but, according to the author of the recipe book, it is unlikely.
Soup, game, garlic?
Holmes compared his memory with the attic, which he did not litter with “useless in his business” facts (“Suppose the Earth is round …”) and other “unnecessary information” (about art, literature), fearing that someday there just won’t be room. It is logical that he was also picky about his own diet, says Silke Martin. The genius of deduction could gladly dine on soup made from green peas, potatoes, watercress (watercress) and ginger – for example, at the Black Swan Hotel in Hampshire (“Copper beeches”). But rhubarb soup and lamb saddle baked with vegetables (classics of English cuisine!), According to the author of the new cookbook, were Dr. Watson’s favorites (“Tiger hunting “).
Vegetarian version of pumpkin, onion, tomato and date ragout
Preparing for the pursuit of dangerous criminals, gourmet Holmes offered to refresh himself thoroughly – with soup (often fish), fried partridges (marinated in port) and fresh oysters, neutralizing even the bitterness of disappointment about the Agra treasures sent to the bottom of the Thames (“Treasures of Agra”).
A special role in the book is given to spices and garlic, which can muffle the taste of a number of poisons or the smell of opium hidden in … lamb stew (“Silver”). In his book, Silke Martin offers a vegetarian version of the dish (pumpkin, onion, tomatoes and dates) – with garlic, but this time, without the mind-altering “surprise”.
Outdoor observation and pursuit: provisions and afternoon tea
Chemistry expert Holmes, who often tested the effect of toxic substances on himself, was especially partial to game dishes. Silke Martin is sure that they will not leave indifferent modern fans of criminal cuisine either, suggesting to try Cornish (Cornish) pies with traditionally meat or vegetable filling (potatoes, rutabagas, carrots), which you can always take with you, going in search of a criminal (“The Devil’s Leg “).
You can also refresh yourself on the way with thin flat cakes stuffed with spinach and salmon rolled into a roll (“The Contractor from Norwood”). Sherlock Holmes’ cuisine is unthinkable without “shepherd’s pie” – casseroles of minced meat and mashed potatoes. His characters, Conan Doyle, were served at the Fighting Cock Hotel (“Incident at the Boarding School”).
Mrs. Hudson’s famous Wellington beef
Cucumber sandwiches and tongue stew in Madeira sauce with pickled peaches help Holmes while away his time in the swamps (The Hound of the Baskervilles). And the Alsatian tart flambé (“flaming pie”) with onion rings and thyme Dr. Watson takes with him in Switzerland for a walk to the Reichenbachfälle, where Sherlock Holmes goes to a fatal meeting with the insidious Professor Moriarty.
Sweet Evidence, Diamond and Celebration Dinner
Mrs. Hudson’s pastries have repeatedly helped Holmes to relieve periods of boredom and depression (“The underworld is clearly degenerating!” – Holmes exclaimed at such times). Sweet scones, delicate biscuits or the famous orange pie (“Five Orange Pieces”) are traditionally served during English Afternoon Tea. Mrs. Hudson probably served them with butter cream and lemon curd (“Empty House”), Silke Martin tells readers.
But the most curious culinary evidence was the Christmas goose, forgotten on a London street by a member of one of the then popular Goose Clubs. In the goiter of this luxurious specimen, Mrs. Hudson discovered a real treasure – a blue carbuncle! However, on Christmas Eve, Conan Doyle’s heroes preferred baked game with a traditional garnish – Yorkshire pudding baked in special forms from batter – batter (“Scandal in Bohemia”) to the usual goose.
Sherlock Holmes knew a lot about good wines, knew the art of swordsmanship, loved opera, played the violin and was very fond of coffee. The invigorating drink that Silke Martin offers in his book is called the Sherlock Holmes espresso martini. It is prepared from vodka, coffee liqueur, cold espresso and ice.
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