Marjorie Winslow

Originally published in 1960, and then reprinted last year in this 40th Anniversary edition, Mud Pies and Other Recipes is a charming little cookbook for all those children who love to play make-believe, and mess about in the mud. With everything from 'Molded Moss Salad' to 'Crabgrass Gumbo,' the delightfully doll-appropriate recipes contained herein will aid the child intent on throwing tea parties and banquets for her toys. Divided into sections devoted to: appetizers; soups, salads and sandwiches; main dishes; pastries and desserts; beverages; and suggested menus; there is something here for everyone!

I enjoyed Marjorie Wilson's whimsical recipes, apparently inspired by the outdoor play of her two young daughters (who, she assures us in an afterword, have both grown up to be excellent cooks!), and was reminded of similar youthful activities of my own. In particular, I seem to recall that my sisters and I used to make a 'jam' out of the (inedible) berries that grew on our front-yard bushes. Ah, good times! The accompanying black and white artwork by Danish-born illustrator Erik Blegvad is just as charming as the text. There isn't much of a story here, but it is still a fun little book to read through!… (plus d'informations)