Thanks Bert, that's what I had in mind. I've been poking fun at English food (it's kind of an alternate national past time over here) but I really have fond memories of eating bangers and mash, sherperd's pie, steak and kidney pu' etc. at friends houses and at English pubs around Wash. DC where I grew up and of course washing it all down with numerous pints of Watney's.

Penny, your B&S sounds good I might have a go at making it. Some restaurants over over here try to pass off simple corned beef and cabbage as same.

Thanks, Lil'Dorritt for telling me about one in all. The Margaret Thatcher thing seems to make more sense now.

Liz, you said "whipped cream is for wusses". What is wusses? It sounds very English and quite scrumptious and if it's got whipped cream on it you can count me in. Incidentally, I've been planning the menu for when you come visit. We'll start off with a Hearts of Palm salad, on to Gator gumbo, main course Redfish in parchment (if the fishing's good) with jalapeno cornbread and for dessert the obligatory homemade key lime pie and then to satisfy any renegade chocolate cravings Javachip ice cream and coffee. Sound okay?

Thanks all, Frankie