The Receipts of a Hertfordshire Family
‘Take 6 Carrots, 4 Heads of Celery, 8 Large Onions.. .’ allows us a glimpse into the lives of a typical wealthy Victorian family. Established in the area since the 1500s the Wilsheres rose to local prominence in the nineteenth century through their involvement in Hitchin’s commercial and social life. They were also major benefactors in the town, funding projects such as the Hitchin British Schools.
These recipes, originally collected by Reginald Hine, provide an opportunity to get close to these people, to put flesh on their bones. The recipes cover a variety of dishes from main meals such as the ‘French Beef Steak’ to desserts like ‘Vermicelli Pudding’, and preserves including ‘Apple Jelly’ which originally used 27 lemons. Some household and medicinal recipes such as ‘To Destroy Flys’ are also included. All the culinary recipes have been edited for the modern cook.
About the author
This is Maya Pieris’ first publication and combines her interests in local history and historical cookery. She is a qualified teacher and librarian.
To order a copy, contact the Society’s Publications Officer.