Brown reveals his love of cabbage

Published on Saturday 3 January 2009 19:20

IT'S a recession, eat cabbage. Gordon Brown has proposed his latest remedy to Britain's deepening recession.

The Prime Minister is among a number of politicians who have named their favourite recipes for a fundraising book in aid of the Donaldson's school for the deaf in Edinburgh.

And, as ever with politicians, it appears they have been desperate to show that in every way, they are matching the mood of the times.

Asked to nominate his own favourite dish, Brown lived up to his Presbyterian image by plumping for Rumbledethumps – a gloopy mixture of mashed potato and cabbage.

In the book, Brown claims he got a taste for the dish as a boy, recalling how he would come back from watching Raith Rovers matches to find the dish on the table, prepared by his mother.

In one concession to fine dining, Brown concedes that the dish may be made slightly more interesting by the inclusion of "a slice of bacon" on the side.

Brown's frugal eating habits are shared by his fellow politicians, the book reveals. In keeping with the tough times, Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy claims that the meal he yearns for more than any is a bowl of "hearty lentil broth".

Keeping up the spartan theme, First Minister Alex Salmond ditches the curries which he is known to favour, and instead claims his favourite dish is Cullen Skink, the soup traditionally made from smoked haddock, potatoes and onions.

Other contributors to the recipe book include Rangers manager Walter Smith, who selected Penne Arrabbiata, and presenter Kaye Adams who selected chocolate cookies.