September 16, 2019
Food historian Gray (Queen Victoria: The Greedy Queen, Eating with Victoria) does more than simply collect recipes popular from 1912 to 1926 in this fun and astute tie-in to Downton Abbey. In a cogent introduction, she describes the technological advances of the era, such as the electric toaster and the move to a more “pared-down” cuisine, albeit one still lavish and complex to modern eyes: “sauces took only a few hours, rather than a few days, to prepare.” Reflecting the class divisions depicted on the show, the selections are divided into “upstairs” and “downstairs” dishes, i.e., fare fit for aristocrats (truffled eggs; filet mignon) and a shorter selection of simpler options for the servants (Toad-in-the-Hole; steak and kidney pudding). Helpful lists of common ingredients and those that are less so (such as suet and mushroom ketchup, which can be purchased online) and sure-footed instructions ensure that the recipes are usable. There are methods for the lobster “cutlets” (croquettes with lobster legs inserted as bone stand-ins) from jilted Edith’s wedding breakfast, as well as the deviled sheep’s kidneys served to Cora’s American mother (played by Shirley MacLaine) in season three. The volume is amply illustrated with stills from the TV production as well as snippets of dialogue, but Gray’s thoughtful and informed prose elevates it from mere tie-in to a truly useful work of culinary history.
November 1, 2019
Food historian Gray offers an inventive way to bring home cooks into Downton Abbey, the series that captured so many hearts. While not the focus of the series's story lines, food was always in the background, a secondary character to the drama unfolding throughout. The long narrative reminds readers how food was present throughout the series, and occasionally offers historical context about the food culture of the time. Recipes in the cookbook are separated into two sections, Upstairs and Downstairs, which refer to the dining rooms where the dishes and meals would be served. Whether it's designed for Breakfast, The Still Room, or Supper & Tea, each recipe includes a few sentences of dialogue and the episode in which the dish appeared. Abundant photography, including stills from the show and recipe portraits, are beautifully stylized. Not everything is equally accessible; the average cook is more likely to make and eat scones or beef stew with dumplings than mutton with caper sauce. As the recipes are written with an assumption that the reader is already a cook, this book is not for beginners. VERDICT A beautiful book for Downton Abbey lovers and serious traditional cooks.--Sara Jurek, Children's English Lib., Stuttgart, Germany
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