After a culinary near-disaster yesterday (and it was almost a near-culinary disaster, too), when I became so involved in working out how to conclude chapter ten of my wip that I completely forgot about the pasta sauce I was cooking, I started to think about food – and drink – in books. Food is one of those book-themes we encounter time and again, from picture books onwards – remember The Tiger Who Came To Tea?
Then there was Ma in the Little House books, who made such delicious cornbread, and biscuits and gravy. And although apparently there’s no mention of ‘lashings of ginger beer’ in Enid Blyton’s books, she describes some very yummy picnics and midnight feasts – I had my first encounter with radishes in the Famous Five books. I remember being slightly disappointed when I came to taste one…
Moving on to crime novels , I always enjoy the food sections of Elizabeth George’s books – they contrast so deliciously. DI Thomas Lynley dines in exclusive restaurants and knows exactly what to do with an oyster, while Sergeant Barbara Havers lives on crisps and unidentifiable remains from her fridge.
One of the most startling – and fun – ‘food’ books I’ve ever read is Ian Flitcroft’s The Reluctant Cannibals. The characters here enjoy some very exclusive grub…
My pasta sauce survived – just. Next time, I’ll use the timer!
linda huber 
Currently reading the Tiger who came to Tea to granddaughter…amazingly dated and such fun…
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It’s enormous fun – my kids loved it way back then. Still waiting for a grandchild to read it to!
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I enjoyed this post, Linda. It’s making me feel hungry. I think food can say a lot about a character and can also reflect the time period in which the book is set. 🙂
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You’re right – I remember the tinned sardines etc that used to be part of those midnight feasts in the school stories!
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Oh, Linda, you just reminded me of my several near-disasters when I was sitting at my computer and something was cooking in the kitchen and then the smell and the burnt bottom of my pots! I had to discard a few. Oh, well. I do love interesting books that also make me hungry!
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Yes – the new rule in my kitchen is, use the timer if you leave the room! 🙂 Happy 4th July btw 🙂
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