I'm very happy that Darina Allen compiled this book. It sets the scene of a way of life that my father used to tell me about - teacakes cooked on the griddle, potato cake, real Irish stew - and, of course, champ! In a wonderful introduction, Allen describes the advent, if you can call it that, of so-called "fancy shop-bought things" and how this began the decline of traditional recipes. What follows is a labour of love for Allen, a compilation to salvage over 300 recipes that reflect the Irish way of life, its farming heritage and cooking skills. The book is complete with wonderfully evocative photography and notes. And having tried some of them, I can vouch that the recipes are easy and tasty.