The Curious Cookbook (hardback)

Viper Soup, Badger Ham, Stewed Sparrows and 100 More Historic Recipes

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From the frugal to the fantastical, The Curious Cookbook contains some of the most unusual recipes from historical cookery books, from the Middle Ages to the Second World War.

The recipes, which to the modern cook can appear quaint, bizarre, revolting or downright absurd, are accompanied by an engaging commentary which reveals the social and economic context behind these gastronomic creations.

So, if you've ever wanted to know how to roast a peacock or sauté a tortoise, create a mythical beast from half a pig and half a cockerel, cure the plague with a simple infusion, impress your guests with exploding ships and castles or pies containing live frogs and birds, whip up a batch of 'Whore's Farts' or make wartime mock 'coffee' from asparagus, then this is the book for you.

Reviews
`This historic cookbook delves into dishes form the 15th century to WWII... Containing some of the most unusual recipes, The curious Cookbook is quaint, bizarre, and surprisingly tasty.` The Sunday Telegraph

`If you’re wondering what to whip up for dinner tonight, how about sparrows on toast, live frog pie or even sauteed tortoise?
These were some of the delights on the menu in the Middle Ages. And for those with rather strong stomachs, they can be recreated today, thanks to a new cookbook.` Mark Duell and Eleanor Harding, The Daily Mail