3 Review(s)

The cookbook covers a variety of dishes, from hearty soups and stews to vegetable preparations, meat dishes, and simple desserts. Given the wartime context, many recipes focus on maximizing flavors with minimal resources, using local ingredients and economical techniques. The recipes include Belgian specialties such as stoofvlees (a Flemish beef stew), waterzooi (a creamy chicken or fish soup), and various potato-based dishes. Mrs. Luck emphasizes the creativity and adaptability of Belgian cuisine, which combines French, German, and Dutch influences, resulting in flavorful and comforting meals.Beyond the recipes, The Belgian Cookbook serves as a cultural snapshot of Belgium during a challenging period. It reflects the resilience and culinary ingenuity of Belgian households striving to maintain tradition despite the difficulties of war. The book appealed to British readers seeking to support and understand their European neighbors, while also providing inspiration for home cooks adapting to rationing. Today, The Belgian Cookbook is valued not only as a cookbook but as a historical document, preserving the flavors and spirit of Belgian cooking during World War I.