A love letter to Nottingham's greatest invention - HP Sauce: The Kate Moss of condiments
Nottingham has given the world some sensational things from Raleigh bicycles to ibuprofen - but the greatest invention of all has to be HP Sauce.
While the topic of whether to have brown sauce or tomato ketchup on a bacon sandwich might be a divisive one, there is very little argument over which brand of brown sauce is best.
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Hide AdThere might be a very select group out there who say Daddies rules the roost when it comes to brown breakfast condiments but we're saying there's just no way it beats Nottingham's finest.
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The iconic brown sauce has been a mainstay in UK homes for more than 100 years. The legendary sauce was invented here in Nottingham by grocer Frederick Gibson Garton, who had a small shop on Milton Street.
The cash-strapped grocer would go on to sell the recipe for just £150, which is wild considering a bottle today costs at least £2.30.
We like to think of HP as the Kate Moss of condiments because much like the famous supermodel it too has the London look. A stylish glass bottle embellished with the Houses of Parliament - the only thing more typically British, are Kate's iconic Glastonbury outfits.
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Hide AdThere are many ways this sauce can be enjoyed - with a Full English breakfast, in a cheese toastie, or my preferred way on its own in a sandwich. Simply take a slice of white bread (preferably Hovis thick white sliced) and smother one side with HP sauce. Don’t be tempted to add butter; it takes away from the flavour. Then fold the bread in half to create a sandwich. Consume while standing up in the kitchen, ideally while reading a trashy magazine.
I have been devouring these since I was a teenager. In fact, I consider them to be my ultimate comfort food. I’ve experimented with other sauces, I even went through a Daddies phase for a while (take from that what you will) but I always, always come home to HP.
And it seems HP Sauce is a hit across the pond too, or at least that’s what the reviews on influenster would have you believe.
Sheila P wrote: “A more perfect sauce is hard to find. Perfect for bacon and eggs or anything at all. So fruity & spicy and just delicious.”
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Hide AdAnd Lisa B said: “Love this original British [sauce]. I'll eat it with an egg, with toasted bread, Italian pasta, sausages.”
Katelyn L commented: “I bought this at an Irish/British store and am hooked. It tastes like A1 Sauce with molasses and vinegar. Delicious on bacon sandwiches and sausage! Rather pricey to get in the US though.”
I could ramble on for another 500 words about why HP sauce is the greatest thing since (and to put on) sliced bread but I think you already know.
So I'll leave you with the (slightly altered for entertainment purposes) words of Kate Moss: "Nothing tastes as good as HP feels." ICONIC.
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