Ask any adult whose parent was a working Joe and you will probably hear stories about lunch can treats. Eating a diet limited by the confines of a metal can is notoriously monotonous and yet… The practice of packing food for a day’s toil predates the industrial revolution but the rush to mines, mills andContinue reading “Recipe for a lunch can…”
Category Archives: Uncategorized
Brown bread vs Porridge bread… were the Scots involved?
There are few things more evocative than the smell of freshly baked bread… in Atlantic Canada that quite often means ‘brown bread’. Ask any home cook in Atlantic Canada good chance they will have a favourite brown bread recipe. There are several in the My Mother’s Cookbook collection, some versions are baked, others steamed, someContinue reading “Brown bread vs Porridge bread… were the Scots involved?”
My Mother’s Cookbook’s Classics… Rhubarb pie.
There are a number of commercial cookbooks in My Mother’s Cookbook collection, some were gifts, others Mum purchased because she viewed them as ‘important’. Some became regular reference books, and a few were the source of recipes she used regularly. This later group show their use with the drops and spatters marring their white pages.Continue reading “My Mother’s Cookbook’s Classics… Rhubarb pie.”
Victoria day, excursions and picnics!
It would be wrong to think because the holiday is called ‘Victoria Day’, that only royalists participate. Although originally developed as a tribute to the long serving monarch, the day is well timed. As comedian Robin Williams observed “Spring is nature’s way of saying “Let’s party””. Of course William’s was not talking about Queen Victoria’sContinue reading “Victoria day, excursions and picnics!”
Vinegar, vinegar, tastes great! Vinegar, vinegar…can’t wait?
It is Spring and our winter weary souls are craving sunshine and fresh air! It’s everywhere, kids on their bikes, chomping at the bit of their parents limits. Young minds wandering from their school work at the call of the warm Spring days. There is no better way to celebrate the coming of summer, thanContinue reading “Vinegar, vinegar, tastes great! Vinegar, vinegar…can’t wait?”
Spring Harvest – Rhubarb…and biscuits.
My Mother’s Cookbooks contains several recipes featuring Rhubarb, pies, crumbles, cakes, buns, chutney and cordials. The first Rhubarb in our house each spring, was stewed and served with fresh Buttermilk biscuits. Sometimes, simple is best. A patch of rhubarb growing in the back garden, and a best family ‘Biscuit’ recipe is all anyone needs toContinue reading “Spring Harvest – Rhubarb…and biscuits.”
War, Women and Warcake
This blog is one of two featuring the service of Marion Leane Smith Walls, don’t miss the new release which explores Marion’s WW2 service which lead to her being awarded the Distinguished War Service Medal… Molasses Cookies and Knitted Bandages. There are no less than three versions of Warcake in My Mother’s Cookbooks, which isContinue reading “War, Women and Warcake”
Elsie’s ‘Washday’ Pudding
One of the recipes in the My Mother’s Cookbook collection is named “Elsie’s Washday Pudding”. That her sister Elsie had a favourite recipe for wash days while Mum did not, is entirely understandable. Until the Victorian period (1837-1901) the washing of clothing (and bodies) was infrequent and a luxury limited to those who could affordContinue reading “Elsie’s ‘Washday’ Pudding”
Freshets and Fiddleheads
Some recipes did not make it into My Mother’s Cookbooks… Some foods just did not require written recipes, it is almost as if Mum had them in her DNA. Seasonal specialties are a case in point… is there a recipe for Thanksgiving turkey stuffing? No, and not one for Easter Ham and Scalloped potatoes either.Continue reading “Freshets and Fiddleheads”
Food Memories and Cooks…
Honouring Mothers – a contest for Mother’s Day! It is just over a month since I launched ” My Mother’s Cookbook” and I am thrilled to say it is a success. Over 6000 visit and over 9000 views. It is all due to you, the folks who have read, liked, commented and re-shared my postsContinue reading “Food Memories and Cooks…”
My Mother's Cookbooks 