[Image courtesy of Walt Disney, Alice in Wonderland (1951)] |
In conclusion, it is clear that food is a prominent theme throughout Lewis Carroll's fantasy novel Alice in Wonderland. Within the text, food has a vital role in the progression of the narrative - for example, Alice could not pass through the door to the garden if she did not eat the cake.
The food mentioned within the novel is often incredibly symbolic, most commonly used as a representation of childhood, indicator of social class and to foreshadow future events.
Throughout the years, Carroll's masterpiece has influenced generations of creatives - inspiring songs such as Jefferson Airplane's White Rabbit, cook books and even this very blog - demonstrating a shared readership, a text that appeals to both children and adults alike.
Without doubt, my favourite aspect of this blog has been the opportunity to once again bring to life 'wonderland'. Stepping back from the stresses of university every Sunday afternoon to bake has been the perfect outlet, transporting me away to another reality - if only for an hour. The social aspect of cooking was another unexpected delight, sweetening the bond between me and my housemates, if you'll excuse the pun.
Works Cited:
Carroll, Lewis. Alice in Wonderland. London: Wordsworth Editions, 2001.
Posted by Alice Cawte in Alice in Wonderland, Children, Etiquette, Food, Lewis Carroll, Literature, Recipe, Table Manners, Tea Party, Victorian
[Image courtesy of Walt Disney, Alice in Wonderland (1951)] |
Since its publication in 1865, Alice in Wonderland has inspired a generation of literary texts; ranging from fan fiction to cook books. The Alice in Wonderland Cookbook: A Culinary Diversion, written by John Fisher and published in 1976, features a selection of delightful recipes - each accompanied by a charming illustration by Sir John Tenniel and excerpt from Carroll's original narrative.
[Image courtesy of Clarkson N. Potter] |
♥ Acacia flowers
♥ Marrow flowers
♥ Rosemary flowers
♥ Borage flowers
♥ Cowslip flowers
♥ Elderflowers
♥ Marigold petals
♥ Nasturtium petals and trumpets
♥ Green salad
♥ Olive oil
♥ Vinegar
Recipe:
1) All the flowers listed were once commonly accepted for culinary purposes.
2) Scald the petals with hot water.
3) Leave to cool.
4) Arrange a bed of green salad including lettuce, parsley, thyme, chives, sorrel leaves, sliced raw cabbage or spinach, according to availability.
5) Add the flowers to the centre.
6) Serve with oil and vinegar dressing, proof that some flowers, at least do have the edible qualities of the other flour.
[Original accompanying image by Sir John Tenniel] |
However, the flowers also act as a signifier of the absurd nature of the dish; exposing how unrealistic, impractical and far from filling it would be for the individual.
Fisher's language in this recipe manages to be a combination of concise and comical; clearly hoping to amuse and inform his reader in equal measures. His final instruction acts as a jovial sign off, as though he accepted the silliness of the recipe overall.
I imagine a reader of this cookbook to be a mature fan of Alice in Wonderland, certainly not a child. Despite the simple style of Fisher's writing, the complex, exotic seeming ingredients dismiss the notion of the dish playing a part of a sit-down family meal - where a heartier meal, such as casserole, would be more appropriate. If a reader were to endeavor to make this dish, it would no doubt be out of curiosity or as quirky talking point at a dinner party.
Also featured as a part of the book is Lewis Carroll's short musing Hints for Etiquette; Or, Dining Out Made Easy - also published individually - which I will discuss in a later blog post.
Works Cited:
Carroll, Lewis. Alice in Wonderland. London: Wordsworth Editions, 2001.
Carroll, Lewis. Hints for Etiquette; Or, Dining Out Made Easy. United States: Bonnefant Press, 1990.
Fisher, John. The Alice in Wonderland Cookbook: A Culinary Diversion. United States: Outlet ,1976.
Posted by Alice Cawte in Alice in Wonderland, Food, Lewis Carroll, Literature, Recipe
I have awarded this recipe a difficulty rating of: ★★
Works Cited:
Carroll, Lewis. Alice in Wonderland. London: Wordsworth Editions, 2001.
Posted by Alice Cawte in Alice in Wonderland, Buttercream, Cupcake, Eat Me, Food, Lewis Carroll, Literature, Recipe
[Image courtesy of Walt Disney, Alice in Wonderland (1951)] |
[Image courtesy of Random House Publications, 2014] |
I have awarded this recipe a difficulty rating of: ★★★★★
♥ 2 egg whites
♥ 1/4 tsp cream of tartar
♥ A pinch of sea salt
♥ 120g caster sugar
♥ A stick of hard liquorice candy
♥ 100g good-quality dark chocolate, broken into pieces
♥ Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting (optional)
♥ Pastry brush
The language used throughout both the chapter, and entirety of the text, assists in creating the illusion of the exquisite, flattering the reader. Her exclamation that 'you don't have to be hungry to enjoy an afternoon tea... real life is on hold... food as fuel is notionally cast away' (p13) speaks volumes about her desired audience, whom is assumed to be middle class housewives.
Each of her recipes - such as Swan Pavlovas, Ruby Shoe Biscuits and Champagne Rose Jellies - alongside descriptions of table arrangement reinforce the notion that tea is an aesthetically pleasing occasion. As noted by Rodger's 'prettiness is essential, a cake is like a fashion accessory' (p13).
[Image courtesy of Random House, 2014 (p22)] |
Works Cited
Beeton, Isabella. Mrs. Beeton's Book of Household Management: Abridged Version. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2000.
Carroll, Lewis. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. London: Wordsworth Editions, 2001.
Rodger, Kirsten. Ms. Marmite Lover's Secret Tea Party. United Kingdom: Random House, 2014.
Posted by Alice Cawte in Alice in Wonderland, Etiquette, Food, Kerstin Rodger, Lewis Carroll, Literature, Meringue, Mushroom, Recipe, Tea Party
[Image courtesy of Walt Disney, Alice in Wonderland (1951)] |
I have awarded this recipe a difficulty rating of: ★
Following my success with the Queen of Heart's jam tarts, the next Sunday I decided I would attempt to recreate the magical drink which shrinks Alice to the size of a dormouse, allowing her to continue her exploration of Wonderland.
Having squeezed the lemons, I added the suggested amount of sugar and water, stirring until fully dissolved. By this point my mouth was literally watering at the sweet and sour aroma filling my kitchen; imagining myself on the beach, Long Island Ice Tea in one hand, book in the other.
Next it was time to garnish and serve, the perfect opportunity to make use of my experience as a cocktail mixologist. Filling the empty jar from last week's adventure in the kitchen with crushed ice, I poured in the lemonade - the delightful cracking of the ice and fizzing of the lemonade fighting to be heard. After garnishing with lemon and children's party straws, I tied a string label with the fitting words 'Drink Me' around the rim.
-
The drink also acts as a warning to reader's of the dangers of eating and drinking. Alice drinks the contents of the unidentified bottle with little regard for her own well being, her reckless behaviour a reminder of her childishness. Recent readings of the text suggest that drug use is a prominent theme, easily distinguished in this scene, a mystery liquid altering Alice's physical state. However, 'expects are sceptical, Carroll wasn't thought to have been a recreational user of opium... and the references may say more about the people making them than the author' (BBC).
Works Cited:
BBC. “Is Alice in Wonderland Really About Drugs?” bbc.co.uk. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-19254839, 20th August 2012. Web. Date Accessed: 22nd February 2015.
Carroll, Lewis. Alice in Wonderland. London: Wordsworth Editions, 2001.
Posted by Alice Cawte in Alice in Wonderland, Food, Lemonade, Lewis Carroll, Literature, Recipe