COOKERY BOOK & HARRIET

This was the staple cookery book of Harriet’s childhood. Her mum, Jean, was from Stirling, just north east of Glasgow. Jean was given the book by her mother, and Harriet held on to it for the family when Jean died. ‘The Glasgow Cookery Book’ was published in 1962, just before Jean was married. Inside it reads ‘Good cooking, love from mum’. It was well-used, it’s spine is cracked and it’s pages are stained with the ingredients listed on it’s pages. It slowly fell apart, robustly mended by Harriet’s dad with thick black webbing tape. The same dishes were often served up on a specific day, maybe lamb chops on Wednesdays, or tinned sardines and salad on Fridays. Mince featured regularly and Plate Mince Pie with peas and boiled potatoes was Harriet’s favourite. This is what the family ate on her birthday. It was served on an enamel plate, the imprint of which still marks the page.

25 Sep 2011