A ;LITTLE SLICE OF VINTAGE COOKERY

I have just borrowed a cookery book from my Mother.  It is a copy of a book her Mother was given as a wedding present in 1929.  My Mothers childhood  memories of the book are that it was well loved and well used - used so often that parts were missing.

The title of this book is THE OLIO COOKERY BOOK and by 1928 it was already on its fifteenth impression (and in this year it was also revised).

Every page of the book has an uplifting quote:- BREAD AT PLEASURE, DRINK BY MEASURE;  ONE CAKE EATEN IN PEACE IS WORTH TWO IN TROUBLE.  The recipes range from simple soups and meals to how to make self raising flour (patent flour).  In edition there are Medical recipes, Toilet recipes (bath salts, hair restorer  and the like,  helpful hints for cooks and the home.  

At the back of the book are very useful tables for measuring ingredients - including how to use coins as weights.  6 penny pieces or 10 shillings in silver is equal to 2 ounces.

I love old books - there is often a wealth of social history to be found in them.  So many of the recipes in this book list ingredients by price.

Although some recipes do not appeal there are others I cannot wait to try.  

COCOANUT ROCKS
2OZS COCOANNUT
2OZS SUGAR
WHITE OF 1 EGG
PINK OR GREEN COLOURING
WHIP WHITE VERY STIFF.  PUT IN TEASPOONFULS IN ROCKY HEAPS ON TO RICE PAPER.  BAKE IN MODERATE OVEN 10 MINUTES.

There is even a recipe for TURTLE SOUP!! And ROOK PIE!!
A remedy for Diphtheria reccomends raw pineapple juice - 'as it cuts the membrane from the throat when nothing else will'.  

Advice is given for preventing kid gloves from cracking and how to restore colour to carpets, used tea leaves keep the dust down when sweeping carpets and stairs.  A wealth of knowledge.