CONDIMENTS OF THE SEASON Why must I eat my beef with mustard, the sauce of habit so ingrained Or horseradish relish mustered, takes skin from mouth and tongue enflames. Most of our dishes have been paired with condiments through history But in this global market place we could try a taste of mystery Like custard on our cornflakes or yoghurt with poached egg Or a curried raspberry shortcake or jam upon our veg. Pica pica is the Magpie, who’s known to steal bright shiny things To decorate the family nest while other birds just sing. But pica in a pregnancy, when taste is sublimated For things, like coal and pickled onions, the weirdest things are mated Like herrings with a liquorice dip or chocolate sauce on porridge On second thoughts that does sound good though the former could be horrid. Bacon, egg and mushrooms, fried - in such a dish we take our pride But let us swap the ketchup pot for pickle or parsnip wine Now that would surely make you cry Or not, but it’s certainly worth a try.
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