Question 1

Which of the following countries is a part of the island of Great Britain along with England and Scotland?
A) Somalia
B) Wales
C) North Ireland
D) Ireland

Accepted Answer

Wales is part of the island of Great Britain, along with England and Scotland. Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland are on the island of Ireland, not Great Britain. Somalia is in Africa and is unrelated.

Question 2

Which was the first major influence over the cuisine of the British Isles starting around 55 BC?
A) Potato famine
B) Viking conquest
C) Major volcanic eruptions
D) Roman conquest

Accepted Answer

The Roman conquest starting around 55 BC was the first major influence over the cuisine of the British Isles, introducing a variety of foodstuffs and culinary techniques from across the Roman Empire.

Question 3

Which invading culture to the British Isles was responsible for introducing smoking and salt curing as a way of preserving seafood and particularly fish?
A) Roman invasion
B) Nordic invasion (Vikings)
C) German invasion
D) French invasion

Accepted Answer

The Nordic invasion, specifically the Vikings, were responsible for introducing smoking and salt curing as methods of preserving seafood and fish in the British Isles. These techniques were part of their broader culinary and preservation practices, which they brought with them during their invasions and settlements in the region.

Question 4

When was the British Empire at its height of superiority in global expansion? A) 11^th and 12^th centuries AD B) 9^th and 10^th centuries AD C) 14^th and 15^th centuries AD D) 17^th and 18^th centuries AD

Accepted Answer

The British Empire was at its height of superiority in global expansion during the 17th and 18th centuries AD, as it established a vast colonial presence on every continent.

Question 5

What destroyed the potato crop in Ireland in 1840 causing mass starvation and mass exodus?
A) Not enough rain fall
B) Extremely hot weather
C) A quick-spreading fungus
D) Extremely cold weather

Accepted Answer

The potato crop in Ireland during the 1840s was destroyed by a quick-spreading fungus, Phytophthora infestans, leading to the Great Famine.

Question 6

While the British Isles are found in northern latitude, what causes the warm, breezy summers and cool winters?
A) Extended day light hours
B) Warm ocean currents coming close to its shores
C) Geothermal energy
D) Active volcanoes

Accepted Answer

The warm ocean currents, particularly the North Atlantic Drift (a continuation of the Gulf Stream), play a significant role in moderating the climate of the British Isles, leading to warmer summers and milder winters than would be expected at such northern latitudes.

Question 7

What is the preferred method for cooking mutton in England and Ireland?
A) Roasted
B) Sauté
C) Deep fried
D) Braised

Accepted Answer

Braising is the preferred method for cooking mutton in England and Ireland because it allows the meat to become tender and flavorful while retaining its moisture.

Question 8

Which condiment listed here is traditionally served with English Fish and Chips?
A) Brown gravy
B) Mayonnaise
C) Catsup
D) Malt vinegar

Accepted Answer

Malt vinegar is the traditional condiment served with English Fish and Chips, adding a tangy flavor that complements the fried food.

Question 9

Which sauce listed here is traditionally served with roast beef in England?
A) Horseradish sauce
B) Curry
C) Steak sauce
D) Demi glace

Accepted Answer

Horseradish sauce is traditionally served with roast beef in England, offering a spicy and tangy flavor that complements the rich taste of the meat.

Question 10

Kippers are a delicacy that is enjoyed throughout the British Isles and particularly England and Scotland. What are they?
A) Smoked herring
B) Salted fish roe
C) Thick cut bacon
D) Salted codfish

Accepted Answer

Kippers are smoked herring, a traditional British delicacy often enjoyed for breakfast.

Question 11

Because of very short growing seasons, which vegetables listed below are found abundantly in Irish cooking?
A) Corn
B) Tomatoes
C) Bell peppers
D) Cabbage

Accepted Answer

Cabbage is a staple in Irish cooking, largely because it can thrive in cooler climates with shorter growing seasons, unlike corn, tomatoes, and bell peppers which require longer, warmer growing periods.

Question 12

Which description below is for the snack food found throughout the British Isles known as Cornish Pasties?
A) Small meat and potato pies
B) Small roasted chickens
C) Meat and seafood fritters
D) Marinated chicken skewers

Accepted Answer

Cornish pasties are small meat and potato pies, originating from Cornwall, England. They are a traditional British snack, made by filling a circle of pastry with meat (typically beef), potatoes, swede (rutabaga), and onion, folding it in half to wrap the filling in a D-shape, and crimping the edge to seal it before baking.

Question 13

What types of foods are traditionally served with afternoon tea in England and throughout the British Isles?
A) Fried fish and chips
B) Thin soups and consommés
C) Fresh fruit and cheese
D) Small sandwiches and crumpets

Accepted Answer

Afternoon tea in England and throughout the British Isles traditionally includes small sandwiches and crumpets, along with scones, pastries, and cakes. These items are chosen for their lightness and compatibility with tea.

Question 14

Which of the following is a type of blue veined cheese from England?
A) Lancashire
B) Stilton
C) Derby
D) Cheshire

Accepted Answer

Stilton is a type of blue-veined cheese that originates from England, known for its rich flavor and creamy texture.

Question 15

What is the most popular semi hard cheese from England?
A) Swiss
B) Gouda
C) Edam
D) Cheddar

Accepted Answer

Cheddar cheese is the most popular semi-hard cheese originating from England, known for its rich flavor and slightly crumbly texture.

Question 16

Savory puddings and pies are popular throughout the British Isles.

Accepted Answer

Savory puddings and pies, such as steak and kidney pie, shepherd's pie, and black pudding, are traditional and popular dishes in the culinary culture of the British Isles.

Question 17

Much of British cuisine utilizes few spices giving it the bland reputation that still survives today.

Accepted Answer

Historically, British cuisine has been characterized by a limited use of spices compared to other world cuisines, contributing to its reputation for being relatively bland.

Question 18

Welsh rarebit is a melted cheese dish that is served with dry toast.

Accepted Answer

Welsh rarebit is a dish made by pouring hot cheese sauce, often made with ale, mustard, and spices, over slices of toasted bread.

Question 19

Although the people of the British Isles live on islands, seafood is not an important part of their diets; most prefer lamb and beef to seafood.

Accepted Answer

Seafood is an important part of the diet in the British Isles, with fish and chips being a popular dish, and many coastal areas having a strong tradition of seafood consumption.

Question 20

Cock-a-leekie is an Irish soup full of cabbage and potatoes.

Accepted Answer

Cock-a-leekie is a traditional Scottish soup made with leeks and chicken, not an Irish soup full of cabbage and potatoes.

Quiz 1: British Isles

Which of the following countries is a part of the island of Great Britain along with England and Scotland?

Which was the first major influence over the cuisine of the British Isles starting around 55 BC?

Which invading culture to the British Isles was responsible for introducing smoking and salt curing as a way of preserving seafood and particularly fish?

When was the British Empire at its height of superiority in global expansion?

What destroyed the potato crop in Ireland in 1840 causing mass starvation and mass exodus?

While the British Isles are found in northern latitude, what causes the warm, breezy summers and cool winters?

What is the preferred method for cooking mutton in England and Ireland?

Which condiment listed here is traditionally served with English Fish and Chips?

Which sauce listed here is traditionally served with roast beef in England?

Kippers are a delicacy that is enjoyed throughout the British Isles and particularly England and Scotland. What are they?

Because of very short growing seasons, which vegetables listed below are found abundantly in Irish cooking?

Which description below is for the snack food found throughout the British Isles known as Cornish Pasties?

What types of foods are traditionally served with afternoon tea in England and throughout the British Isles?

Which of the following is a type of blue veined cheese from England?

What is the most popular semi hard cheese from England?

Savory puddings and pies are popular throughout the British Isles.

Much of British cuisine utilizes few spices giving it the bland reputation that still survives today.

Welsh rarebit is a melted cheese dish that is served with dry toast.

Although the people of the British Isles live on islands, seafood is not an important part of their diets; most prefer lamb and beef to seafood.

Cock-a-leekie is an Irish soup full of cabbage and potatoes.