Tried, Tested and True

AUTHOR: Liz Harfull PUBLISHER: Allen and Unwin RRP: $39.99

REVIEWER: Mary Ann Elliott

LIZ Harfull says she loves telling the stories of extraordinary, everyday people who make up our communities, especially in the rural areas.

Cooking and writing have been her passions from a young age. Her earlier books, Women of the Land and The Australian Blue Ribbon Cookbook are national bestsellers.

Liz’s latest book is based on original research into community cookbooks around the country.

Many of these were humble publications, often handmade, printed and put together by volunteers. Some, like the CWA cook books are still in print today.

Liz delves behind the recipes to discover the stories behind the Anzac biscuit, coffee and rum pavlova and the Bundaberg CWA’s Bert Hinkler cake.

If you want to know how to make your own Worcestershire sauce, Wiener schnitzel, beefsteak pie, Scotch broth, golden syrup dumplings, apricot chicken, mango chutney and much more, this is the go to book. Liz’s helpful “modern” tips round off each recipe.

This delightful book is much more than a cook book; it’s a treasure trove of fascinating stories that together, constitute an absorbing history of Australia. During the Depression and in wartime stalwart women kept the home fires burning and food on the stove through thick and thin.

The 100s of vintage photographs and advertisements of the era are a complete delight.

There is an alphabetical index of names but not for the recipes.