Mrs Beeton - Cookery Book Pioneer

Many people are aware of Mrs Beeton, but you may not know that this British housewife contributed greatly to the field of home making in her short 28 years! 

                                                           

Isabella,12 March 1836 – 6 February 1865, the wife of a publisher, wrote a monthly supplement to The Englishwoman’s Domestic Magazine. These supplements, which dealt with household management as well as cooking, were published as a single volume in 1861. The rather long title of this volume was, ''The Book of Household Management, comprising information for the Mistress, Housekeeper, Cook, Kitchen-Maid, Butler, Footman, Coachman, Valet, Upper and Under House-Maids, Lady’s-Maid, Maid-of-all-Work, Laundry-Maid, Nurse and Nurse-Maid, Monthly Wet and Sick Nurses, etc. etc.—also Sanitary, Medical, & Legal Memoranda: with a History of the Origin, Properties, and Uses of all Things Connected with Home Life and Comfort'. {Sounds like a lot of the servants in Downton Abbey listed here!} This book is more well-known as Mrs Beeton's Book of Household Management. 

This tome of household wisdom comprises of 1,112 pages, with over 900 of these pages containing recipes. 

From this large book, smaller books have been created, such as the volume I own : Mrs Beeton's Jam-Making.

These books are treasure indeed, so if you come across one, be sure to snap it up!

Recipes From Mrs Beeton's Jam Making

As promised, I am posting a recipe from the beloved Mrs Beeton’s Jam Making recipe book. I have included two recipes, just to ‘spice’ things up ;)

The images below are taken from the classic book and this is from a well-used and well-loved copy.

Everything you need to know about Jam Making including pickles, relishes etc are to be found in this marvellous book. I was delighted to have found this book a few years ago at a charity shop for about R10, especially since they sell online for around £17.

Mrs Beeton's Jam Making

Today I wanted share with you one of my favourite cookery books from a famous author - Mrs Beeton!

I am thrilled to have in my collection : an early copy of Mrs Beeton's Jam Making. The book is probably dating from between 1915 - 1924.

This is a peek inside this vintage delight, and next week I will post a recipe from this treasure, as well as more about the delightful Mrs Beeton.