Royal Wedding: Host a Traditional British Supper

April 21, 2011— -- With Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding fast approaching, it's time to try out some classic British cuisine. Heavy stews, Yorkshire puddings and fish and chips are the first to come to mind, but not necessarily the best to serve to in honor of the royal romance. Instead try some of these definitively English and definitely delicious menu ideas.

Cheese Plate

Start off your meal with the right spread of English cheeses including cheddar and Stilton blue. Cheddar is one of the most popular cheeses in Britain and accounts for a large amount of the national cheese market. While the cheese is produced i many locations internationally only the counties of Devon, Somerset, Cornwall and Dorset can call their cheese West County Farmhouse Cheddar, according to the EU's protected designation order.

Pair your cheddar with a strong Stilton blue cheese which also has a ripe English history. According to the stories, Cooper Thornhill from the village of Stilton discovered the cheese on a trip to a nearby town in 1730. He fell in love with the taste and began to sell it at his boarding house, the Bell Inn. Try it on your cheese plate and you may fall in love too. Finish it off with a crusty piece of bread and fig jam.

Cream of Root Vegetable Soup

For your next course try Wolfgang Puck's savory cream of root vegetable soup. The soup is filled with hearty vegetables like potatoes, turnips, carrots and leeks, but is lightened by the sour and whipping creams. All in all a delicious second course.

Beef Wellington

Nothing spells an English supper quite like beef Wellington which is thought to be named for Arthur Wellington, the first Duke of Wellington. According to local folklore the Duke was looking for additional ways to add wine and truffles to his supper. The traditional preparation includes beef soaked in wine and truffles and wrapped in pate and puff pastry; needless to say, it's a bit of a mouthful. Emeril interpreted this classic dish adding some spice and making the procedure a bit more approachable. Give it a try at your party.

Potato Gratin

Pair this dish with Emeril's potato gratin. Nothing compliments a hearty meat entrée like rich potatoes. These potatoes are blended with the very English Stilton blue cheese, heavy cream, butter, and spices. Yum.

Minty Peas

After potatoes and beef it's time to add something green to your plate. Try Emeril's minty peas. This dish is not only easy to make but also healthy and it offers a nice break from the heavier elements of the meal.

Chocolate Pudding

No meal is complete without dessert. While the most traditional puddings, or custards, are spotted dick and sticky toffee we opted for the delicious chocolate pudding. It's a favorite among kids and adults for its creamy texture and rich taste.

Rhubarb Custard Pie

Try this custard-filled pie to compliment your pudding. It's both sweet and tart with rich custard and bitter rhubarb.