Beer bread for The Lady Brewer

The book: The Lady Brewer of London by Karen Brooks

Genre: Historical fiction

Published: 2014

The bake: Beer bread with cheese, bacon and herbs

What’s the story?

I must admit, I judged this book by its cover, and bought it because it just begged to be taken home! As you might have noticed, I absolutely adore historical fiction, the further back in history the better. And I love stories set in Europe or the UK. And of course stories with a strong, interesting female lead. This book ticked a lot of my boxes. It is set in England in 1405 and focusses on Anneke Sheldrake, who, at 19, needs to take control of her own life when her father dies. Anneke’s mother (who has also passed away) was Dutch, and she was an excellent ale-brewer. Anneke decides to use her mother’s precious recipe book and to start a brewing business. In this way she hopes to provide for her twin siblings, Karel and Betje (8) and her servants who are like family to her.

However, in 15th century England, the course for a woman trying to make her own way in the world is certainly not smooth. Anneke has to deal with prejudice, corrupt and callous monks, nosy neighbors, a harsh landlord, and a very judgmental aunt. When a young man called Westel Calkin arrives at her door looking for work, Anneke thinks he is an answer to prayer. But, her admittance of Westel into her life will change everything for Anneke and those she loves. It will take her from her village of Elmham Lenn all the way to the bustling, dangerous streets of Southwark and London.

Why read it?

It took me a while to really get invested in Anneke’s story, but once there, I couldn’t put it down. I found myself rooting for her, applauding her successes, and groaning at her failures. There are sections of the book I found hard to read, and sometimes I felt really upset at the unfairness with which women were treated in medieval times. However, this book is complex and filled with really interesting characters. My favorite might be Goodwife Alyson, a feisty business owner who takes Anneke under her wing later in the novel. I also love the character of Adam, Anneke’s steward, who sticks with her through thick and thin. There’s also a thread of romance running through the book, which adds a further layer to the story.

Karen Brooks has succeeded in crafting a story that draws you in and refuses to let go until you know how Anneke’s tale will end. She created villains you love to hate, and a heroine you can’t help but cheer for. The descriptions of medieval brewing, especially the strange ‘rites’ Anneke performs in the brewery, had me captivated. If you like well-researched historical fiction that leaves you feeling like you’ve learned something, you can’t go wrong with The Lady Brewer of London.

Pair it with: Beer bread with cheese, bacon and herbs

Ale and beer are so central to the story that they are almost characters in this novel. Everything revolves around Anneke’s skill as a brewster. You learn so much about the process of medieval brewing, and this is one of the reasons why I enjoyed the story so intensely. I love learning new things! However, I am NOT a fan of beer, I’ve just never developed a taste for it.

I do like getting creative with this golden beverage, and you can’t go wrong with beer bread. Add in two kinds of cheese (cheddar and feta), crispy bacon, and some mixed herbs, and you’ve created a feast! This bake is the perfect pairing with The Lady Brewer of London because it honors the topic of the novel, and it’s so delicious you’ll eat slice after slice…

I was inspired to create today’s recipe by Gideon Milling‘s amazing white bread flour. A basic version of this recipe is printed on the packaging for this stone-ground flour. We go through A LOT of bread at my house. It’s basically what my four-year-old lives on… This flour’s fine texture, made from 100% South African wheat, makes homebaked bread extra special. I think I’m going to bake more, and buy less!