From Suet to Saffron

From Suet to Saffron is the story of one of those rare and unique publications that has survived for over a century. It is the history of a book that has never been out of print since it was first published in 1904. Much loved and valued by generations of Australians, particularly women, the cookbook has survived through wars, depression and recessions, as well as massive social and cultural changes brought about in the second half of the 20th century. In addition, it has weathered...
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From Suet to Saffron is the story of one of those rare and unique publications that has survived for over a century. It is the history of a book that has never been out of print since it was first published in 1904. Much loved and valued by generations of Australians, particularly women, the cookbook has survived through wars, depression and recessions, as well as massive social and cultural changes brought about in the second half of the 20th century. In addition, it has weathered changing times in the Presbyterian Church of Victoria (PCV) and also more recently in the Uniting Church in Australia (UCA). It has passed through numerous editions and revisions, as well as reprints, and has been overseen over the years by many committees and editors. Originally planned as a practical resource for use in the home, it was to be a book with a breadth and depth of recipes and household hints and throughout its 100-year history, successive cookbook committees have retained the original vision and emphasis on the book's contents. Over the years, new recipes were added - often reflecting the foods of immigrants from all over the world - obsolete recipes were deleted, and dated household hints were discarded. There were also changes in the cookbook's physical appearance in terms of content, presentation and binding. From Suet to Saffron reflects changes in our society and culture; and is a significant contribution to our understanding of how the domestic arrangements within Australian families changed over the past century since the cookbook was first published.