3 Review(s)

The cookbook is a blend of practical recipes for everyday cooking, as well as special dishes for holidays and celebrations. Gurney’s style is straightforward, offering clear instructions for preparing everything from soups and stews to cakes and preserves. The recipes often emphasize the use of fresh, locally available ingredients, reflecting the era’s reliance on seasonal foods and homegrown produce. The book also touches on the importance of hospitality, with several recipes intended for larger gatherings, suggesting that cooking was an integral part of family and community life.In addition to its recipes, Things Mother Used to Make includes sections on food preservation, such as canning and pickling, which were essential skills for homemakers during this period. The book stands as a historical snapshot of domestic cooking at the turn of the century, showcasing the practical, resourceful approach to home management that was typical of the time. Today, it serves as both a cookbook and a cultural artifact, offering insight into the food traditions of a bygone era while evoking the warmth and simplicity of a home-cooked meal.