I was recommended this book several years ago but it was out of print. I have used one of the recipes for florentines for years and every time I produce it am asked to follow up with the recipe. So it's worth buying this book for that alone - every year I make a huge batch to thank my children's teachers at Christmas time and it seems to be much appreciated. (Or the teachers are just very polite).
I have hoped the book would be reissued, and, having at last just got my own copy, am not disappointed. There are so many things here that I want to make. It is beautifully researched and covers many topics including flavoured oils, drinks, jams and chutneys and sweets and biscuits. I love it that so many historical english recipes are included and that often the ingredients can be found in our hedgerows. But don't for a minute imagine that this is a "hair shirt and sandals" type of book. It is bright and fresh and many of the recipes would make great store cupboard ingredients and there are wonderful ideas for presents too.
I have never bothered to review any book before despite being an enthusiasic cook and avid reader. This book just deserves more attention than it appears to receive.
