The Secret Garden Cookbook by Amy Cotler

As Heard on The Daily Gardener Podcast:

Copy of Grow That #Garden Library (3)

The Secret Garden Cookbook by Amy Cotler
This book came out in 2020, and the subtitle is Inspiring Recipes from the Magical World of Frances Hodgson Burnett's The Secret Garden.

Ah, The Secret Garden. The very words quicken the pulse of a gardener's heart.

A tale of transformation, hope, and the restorative power of nature, Frances Hodgson Burnett’s timeless classic has enchanted generations. The story follows a young girl who discovers a hidden garden and brings it back to life.

But did you know that this magical story is also a culinary adventure?

Amy Cotler’s newly revised The Secret Garden Cookbook invites us to step into Mary Lennox’s world and experience the delightful flavors that nourished her and the other characters. This isn’t just a cookbook; it’s a journey through a bygone era, a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients, and a reminder of the joy and comfort that good food can bring.

If you've been listening to the show, I've been on a little bit of a cookbook kick lately, and cookbooks tied to literature, so Amy's cookbook fits the bill perfectly.

Amy is a professional chef, caterer, and cooking school teacher. If you're a cookbook lover, you will truly appreciate her background in the kitchen.

Here's how Amy introduces us to The Secret Garden and the magic of food:

She writes,

Frances Hodgson Burnett's The Secret Garden is about the magic of making things come alive. Mary, Colin, and Dickon all help the forgotten secret garden to grow again. But Mary and Colin come alive, too, through hard work, friendship, and good, nourishing food. 

When Mary Lennox first arrives atMisselthwaite Manor from India, she is thin,sallow, and unhealthy looking. But as she goes outside, skips rope, and works in the garden, her appetite grows. Colin, too, is sickly until he learns the secret of the garden. By the end of the novel, he is enjoying food as much as Mary. Pails of fresh milk, dough cakes with brown sugar, hearty porridge, fire-roasted potatoes-Mary, and Colin can't get enough of them!

The children of The Secret Garden grew up during the reign of Queen Victoria... commonly known as the Victorian era.

In those days, food took a long time to cook and serve.  Even Mrs. Sowerby, Dickon's mother, though she must feed fourteen people, manages to find a little extra food for Mary and Colin when they experience the joys of eating.

And that's what this book is all about: a hardy appreciation of good food, and Amy delivers.

From hearty breakfasts to elegant teatime spreads, Amy’s recipes are inspired by the novel but adapted for modern tastes.

When this book came out, people were going crazy for the Toffee Pudding recipe on page 32.

Next, imagine the aroma of freshly baked currant buns wafting through your kitchen. These soft, fluffy buns are filled with sweet, tart currants and drizzled with a simple glaze. They’re perfect for a leisurely morning or a cozy afternoon tea

Another must-try is the Sticky Gingerbread Parkin, a traditional English cake that is rich in molasses, honey, and spices. It’s a comforting and satisfying treat that will warm you from the inside out.

And, fall is the perfect time to enjoy the satisfying crunch of a homemade apple tart.

These are the treats that Mary and her friends enjoyed, and now you can recreate them in your own home.

Beyond the sweet treats, the cookbook also offers a variety of savory dishes. From hearty soups and stews to elegant salads and sandwiches, there’s something to suit every taste. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, Amy’s clear instructions and beautiful photographs make it easy to follow along.

The Secret Garden Cookbook is more than just a collection of recipes; it’s a love letter to a beloved classic. Whether you’re a fan of the novel or simply enjoy delicious, wholesome food, this cookbook is a must-have. So why not step into the secret garden of your kitchen and discover the magic of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s culinary world?

Now, if you're a gardener, I'll point out that right at the beginning of the book is a beautiful picture of the Francis Hodgson Burnett Memorial Fountain. It's both a statue and a tranquil fountain filled with lily pads that depicts Mary and Dickon from The Secret GardenIt's located in Central Park in New York City, and it's just gorgeous.

This book is 112 pages of fifty recipes inspired by The Secret Garden, and they're all updated for the modern kitchen and appeal to today's tastes.

You can get a copy of The Secret Garden Cookbook, Newly Revised Edition by Amy Cotler, and support the show using the Amazon link in today's show notes for around $10. 

SI HORTUM IN HORTORIA PODCASTA IN BIBLIOTEHCA HABES, NIHIL DEERIT.

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you have everything you need."

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