WHEN I WAS GROWING UP, A LOT OF HOLLYWOOD MOVIES WERE FILMED IN THE UK, SO I SPENT MANY SUMMER AND WINTER VACATIONS THERE WITH MY FAMILY.
During the week, my brother, Willard, and I would go to work with our dad. He might be filming a Star Wars or Raiders film, and on the set next to where he was working, they would be shooting a Pink Panther or James Bond film. It was pretty exciting.
Often on Sundays people my dad worked with would invite us to their country home for what they called “Sunday roast.” These meals usually took place in the afternoon, with spreads like what you would see here on Thanksgiving: two or three roasted meats, vegetable dishes, more than one salad, and several desserts.
As much as I liked watching James Bond in action, I loved the roasts even more. I continue the Sunday roast tradition when I cook at home, especially around the holidays. Over the years I added turkey to the mix because what is an American holiday without one? This meal is a mix of English-inspired California cooking that I make for my friends and family.