First Line: We are the product of our genetic geographicals; my grandfather was a Glasgow doctor whose main aim, it seems to me, was to bring the preachings of the Plymouth Brethren to the poor of Govan, funded by his Helensburgh practice.
Y'all are probably reeling from shock to see that I'm reviewing a cookbook when my bio down at the bottom of my sidebar states that my dream house wouldn't have a kitchen. Well, since I do not live in my dream house, my home does have a kitchen-- and a husband who appreciates being fed from time to time. So I do know my way around a cookbook, and I have been caught watching an occasional cooking show on television-- which is how I came to get my hands on this particular cookbook.
I first came across the author, Clarissa Dickson Wright, as one half of the team called Two Fat Ladies, a cooking program that was popular in both the UK and here in the US. It was the late Queen Mother's favorite television program, and although the two women were renowned for their love of butter and their almost complete disregard of healthy cooking, I loved the program for Clarissa and Jennifer's repartee and for the tour of the British countryside as they went from place to place (on a motorcycle complete with sidecar) to cook their meals.
Jewelry belonging to Mary, Queen of Scots |
If you're wanting a cookbook that showcases the cuisine of modern Scotland, you're not going to find it here. What you are going to find is a very fine collection of easy-to-follow recipes, illustrations, and commentary that defines a nation by what it ate. It's a book that fascinated this reader, and I'm about as far from a foodie as a person can get!
If you've never seen Two Fat Ladies, I have included a film clip at the very bottom of this review.
Hieland Foodie: A Scottish Culinary Voyage With Clarissa
by Clarissa Dickson Wright with Henry Crichton Stuart
by Clarissa Dickson Wright with Henry Crichton Stuart
ISBN: 9781901663075
National Museum of Scotland ©1999
Hardcover, 112 pages
Genre: Cookbook
Rating: A
Source: Paperback Swap
Source: Paperback Swap
I was ahuge fan of The Two Fat Ladies... wonderful cookery series. I was thus so shocked when Jennifer died, though I realise she was a bit older than Clarissa. I must read Clarissa's autobiogrpahy one day, I gather it's very good. Luckily Clarissa continues to pop up occasionally on British TV but not nearly as often as I would like.
ReplyDeleteYes, I just learned through the comments here that she's got an autobiography, and I quickly added it to my wish list!
DeleteCathy - What an interesting cookbook, and what a fascinating background you give on Wright! I have to confess I haven't watched the TV series, but I'd heard it was terrific. I may look for this one...
ReplyDeleteI think you'd enjoy it, Margot!
DeleteI hope you link this up to Weekend Cooking -- this sounds great. I read her autobiography, Spilling the Beans, but I haven't reviewed it. I should do that one of these days.
ReplyDeleteIf I remember, I'll link up, Candace. Thanks for the info about her autobiography!
DeleteMy mom loves cookbooks and Two Fat Ladies - I need to get this for her!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a perfect gift!
DeleteMmm butter! :) I love a good cookbook, especially when it throw a little food history in.
ReplyDeleteThe food history often is what makes the book!
DeleteThis sounds a lovely book, and I was a fan of Two Fat Ladies, too. I've probably got all the recipes already - though not always in easy-to-follow-format, it must be said - but it sounds as though this is going to be worth it for the photos alone!
ReplyDeleteI adored The Two Fat Ladies and every once in a while I find them on a calbe channel in the triple digits. I love cookbooks so I think I'm going to get my hands on this one.
ReplyDeleteI think you'd like it, Ryan. Now after reading Candace's comment, I'm after Clarissa's autobiography!
DeleteI love Clarissa's style. Have a great week.
ReplyDeleteYou, too, Carole!
DeleteI did enjoy Two Fat Ladies for the same reasons you did -- for the glimpses of the countryside and their conversations. Had no idea one of them passed away. Clarissa's book sounds interesting.
ReplyDeleteYes, Jennifer was much older than Clarissa. If I remember some of her stories correctly, Jennifer kicked up her heels right around WWII.
Deleteoh, I used to love that show!
ReplyDeleteI would think a history of Scottish food would be a very short book. lol
Having much Highlander blood in me, I could take offense at that, Caite! LOL
DeleteCathy this is wonderful! I am so in love with Scotland I have to have this!
ReplyDeleteIt is a wonderful addition to anyone's Scotland collection.
DeleteNever mind the cookbook-that jewelry is gorgeous, especially the earrings.
ReplyDeleteI wondered if anyone would mention the jewelry! That photo makes me drool......
DeleteThis sounds like a great way to do a bit of armchair traveling to Scotland! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteJoy's Book Blog
You're very welcome, Joy. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteI can see that I will need to YouTube 'Two Fat Ladies' - it sounds hilarious/wonderful. And the book doesn't sound bad, either!
ReplyDeleteYouTube has become a fantastic resource for videos. Now you've got me heading over there for a 2FL Fix! Thanks for stopping by!
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