Cook Books - Retro Style

Cookery Books

Anyone who knows me will know I love a good cookery book and that my collection pales next to that of my Mum's. Occasionally whilst trying to hunt for a specific recipe we come across an old book that we almost forgot, or some that were hardly ever opened. My Mums collection started in the 60's with earthy Elizabeth David, the 70's really stand out with some shocking Robert Carrier numbers. 80's were a mix of style and TV (Nouvelle Cuisine to Floyd) and the 90's were restaurant super chef's (Charlie Trotter, Thomas Keller) and the start of some of today's names (Nigel Slater).

There are a few promotional type books, mainly a kind of post war government initiative approach. My favourite is from the Milk Board. This is a whole book about dairy, and it is really extensive, pushing the boundaries of cream, cheese and milk usage... For fun I scanned my all time favourite recipe from it (Plaice & Bananas, no, really), undoubtedly this will have you running to the shops so that you can prepare a big batch asap.

The Milk book inspired me to search out some other gems, just imagine the meal you could have with these beauties.

Plaice, Bananas & Cashew Nuts	Fish Turban with Scallops	Celery Heart Salad	Turkey Ring Mould

Ah, those harmonious ingredients - fish and bananas. Can you actually think of something more vomit inducing?	I really want a ring mould, I mean, look what fun I could have ruining some expensive scallops.	I hate celery. But clearly other people hate it more. Look what they did.	Ah, one ring to rule them and in the darkness bind them... Yes - there are MORE recipes with a ring. This one has turkey.
Ham & Chicken Mould	80's Cocktail: Babbies	80's Cocktail: Earthquake	80's Cocktail: Zombie

Behold the Ham and Chicken Mould (in more ways than one). At least it finds a use for those errant peas that always end up under tables/fridges etc. Now, I wonder whether that asparagus was tinned.....?	I promise you this is from a book on Cocktails. Lord, did they really take this photo?? It isn't right.	Yup, this really sells it to me.	Good to see they got maximum use out of this idea. Nice nail varnish.