BAKING TIPS: Cookery books- my philosophy

Although my library of cookery books is extensive, it’s not the recipes that are my primary interest – it’s the ideas styles going in to create the recipes. So many hints and tips; how to vary the methods you’ve always known and trusted; new ways of using old ingredients; new ingredients and flavours. It’s this philosophy I apply to my cooking, especially now. Being able to experiment more as cooking is not a job. 

I also have hundreds of recipes and ideas taken from magazines, newspapers and articles from over the years. I’m always experimenting, trying out new and re-discovered dishes and recipes, giving the results away to family, friends and neighbours. They are always willing guinea pigs and welcome the different treats being offered! 

I volunteer with Age UK one day a week and have done for more than 12 years – I love it. Whilst working full time until I was 80, anything not quite turning out to expectations – were donated to my colleagues in the shop. They would happily accept the “over-cooked” biscuits, “dry” cakes and “soggy bottom” tarts, all of which were not inedible, just not good enough to sell. My son (who may be a little biased) will say that even my “failures” knock most other baking and food out of the park! 

I must add here that anything tried and produced from the Be-Ro book I mentioned previously never seemed to go wrong.

LIFE TALES: Country Cooking

I really would have liked a place of my own but lacked finance. My husband was never keen on the career path I was following, working in pubs! So I decided to start a home-based catering operation. I supplied food for parties, lunches and dinners at home, and often to various pubs in and around the area. 

The kitchen in our home was large and well fitted. We had a big utility room and storage areas in the garage (no car ever saw the inside of those walls)! All well equipped and ready to go, Country Cooking was born. 

There wasn’t any problem with getting work. Three local pubs ordered meat pies on a weekly basis; a restaurant asked for a selection of deserts; there were bookings to cater for parties and buffet lunches. A family friend generously donated headed stationary and aprons decofetd with a lovely logo – sorted! 

More on this venture soon. Bye for now.