A Plain Cookery Book for the Working Classes

The ultimate guide to feeding the family the Victorian way, by the chief cook to Queen Victoria

First published in 1852, this cookbook features 241 recipes suitable for small budgets. From the simple art of boiling potatoes to the more advanced Pumpkin Porridge, each recipe is described in detail to ensure a delicious dish every mealtime. Recipes ranging from Sheep's Head Broth to A Pudding made of Small Birds ably instruct even the most impoverished homemaker how to prepare meals on a small budget. Accompanied by contemporary advertisements, this collection intends that "your families may be well fed, and your homes made comfortable" with handy hints for meals and cures for common ailments.

Charles Elmé Francatelli (1805–1876) was chief cook to Queen Victoria. His other works include The Modern Cook and The Cook’s Guide.