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| [Image courtesy of Walt Disney, Alice in Wonderland (1951)] |
"Curiouser and curiouser!" (p44)
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.
Alongside recipes such as 'Looking Glass Cake' and 'A Toast to Alice', the book features a rather endearing concoction referred to as 'Flower Salad'. It is made as follows:-
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.
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| [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.
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| [Original accompanying image by Sir John Tenniel] |
In terms of ingredients, the extensive range of flowers used within this recipe imply a middle class readership who crave the almost whimsical, dainty elegance of the dish. The brightness in colour of each petal intensifies the sense of fantasy that surrounds the meal, delighting the diner aesthetically.
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.
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.
