A generous family friend recently offered me her prized copy of The Book of Household Management, published in 1888 by Mrs Isabella Beeton, to be used as a practical inspiration. Once I got past the beauty of such an old book - complete with gorgeous colour pictures of
generous and elegant table settings, diagrams illustrating specific cuts of meat and how to stuff a pigeon and truss a grouse - it was fascinating to just sit down and read.
I love the introduction of the book where the author describes the importance of "striving with feminine aid" and where the mistress of the house is compared to a "commander of an army". To rise early is essential to running an orderly household (that explains my situation) and not to do so results in a self-indulged "sluggard".
Everything is covered, from what to do with a calf's head to preparing a seasonal three-course dinner for 12, how to buy a house and what to do when in distress for arrears in rent. (In 1888 one could leave with all belongings as long as it was before sunrise!)
This book is full of the most simple and delicious recipes including several takes on the pot au feu, slowly braised cuts of meat and whole birds, and many nourishing puddings. While not replicating the recipes, I have used this book to motivate and encourage myself to learn to appreciate different cuts of meat and gain a new respect for some long-forgotten methods of cooking.
