Sauces of the World
It’s been a while now since receiving a couple of bottles of HP Mild Indian Curry, and I’m pleased to say that our rationing strategy is so far proving effective. We’re down to half a bottle (415g squeezy), but it’s all good as our stock has been replenished thanks to a Christmas gift from my brother-in-law & family. Thanks Sean!
When I first wrote about this new fangled HP Mild Indian Curry, I speculated on the possibility of other “worldly” sauces in the works. Seeing as I don’t have a ready supply of all HP varieties here in Canada, speculation was about all I had to go on; what with HP Foods’ website also being down at the time.
Fast forward to yesterday’s evening meal when my son suddenly decides he no longer wants chicken nuggets after seeing them arrive in front of him - steaming hot and maticulously prepared to his specification. No, this evening he wished to dine on some cream of mushroom soup - the one with the “old fashioned” label on it. So, with that being the case, we had a bit of a dilemna in front of us - namely, how to divide the cut up pieces of chicken nuggets between my wife and I, and more importantly, how much HP Mild Indian Curry to use in the process. It was at this time when my wife, having just poured some sauce on the plate asked me: “Did you read this side of the label??”. “Why do you ask?” I said. “I knew there ought to be other ’sauces of the world’” she said “..and they’re listed right here!”. LOL
Ahh, the excitement of receiving a new sauce. Not only does it produce glares from others sitting around the dining room table should one be unfortunate to use one squirt too many (rations), but it also totally blocked out our…..ok MY own powers of deduction. Still, when you taste a sauce this delicious, one does tend to forget about labels & such, doesn’t one? 
So, without any further ado, the HP 2005 “Sauces of the World” line consists of:
- Mild Indian Curry
- Spicy Mexican Chilli
- Tangy American Sauce
- Sweet Thai Chilli
I have to admit, the “Tangy American Sauce” name puzzles me a bit. What’s that supposed to taste like I wonder? (aside from ‘tangy’ that is). I honestly don’t know any ‘tangy Americans’. Perhaps my American cubicle mate could help me out on this one. LOL
January 3rd, 2006 11:06
Well being American, I grew up on mostly A1 steak sauce, which I still prefer. Mainly because HP Sauce wasn’t sold in Michigan or any other State that I know of. I guess I was sheltered from the HP experience. That said, the new “Tangy American Sauce” may be a version of the Heinz 57 Sauce. Heinz puchased HP last year so my guess is that they are going to try and push their steak sauce under the HP brand. According to the Heinz site Heinz 57 Sauce has been an American favorite for over 90 years! Wow. HP has them beat by about 40 years.
January 3rd, 2006 17:16
I *also* do not know any ‘tangy Americans’. I wish I did, thouugh; ‘tanginess’ would add a much-needed quality to an altogether bland nation. However, if I had to speculate, one would presume “Tangy American sauce” would simply be red-hot Texas BBQ sauce? No?
January 3rd, 2006 17:19
Heinz’s purchase of HP: I’ve said all along, the new name will be “Heinz 58 sauce”! (Heinz: There just ain’t no other kinds!)
As for HP vs A1… I too am not necessarily a fan of HP sauce but hey, the site is fun!
June 4th, 2006 01:54
As for HP vs. A1, both have British origins and judging by their recipes and taste umm profile, I’d be willing to bet they were based on tastes acquired by those posted to India, bureaucracy, military & servants, during the glory days of the Empire. Kraft Foods has had the good sense to keep the A1 name so perhaps Heinz will have similar good sense… at least in the UK.
I don’t recall seeing A1 Sauce in the UK when I lived there so I’d be interested to know how it lost favor there. Personally I’m a Worcester Sauce fan, Lea & Perrins of course - it’s part of my secret recipes for barbecued steak and pork.:-)
June 14th, 2006 12:28
I have just tried HP Tangy American Sauce. It tastes tangy, but I’m not sure if it tastes American. No matter, it’s delicious. Make’s a homemade cheese burger taste great. I’m almost tempted to say it’s better than original HP, but maybe I’m getting carried away.