Now in its fourth edition Sue Woolley’s popular cook book can be found
in many kitchens both here and overseas, but it also serves as an interesting
historical testimonial to the old Manx way of life dominated by hard graft and
self-sufficiency.
Some of the recipes have been handed down from the author’s
grandmother, Rebena Crellin, which gives the book a more personal feel, and
many have a seasonal flavour, or are indicative of the time of year; such as
Soddag Valloo (the Dumb Cake), Hollantide Fairings, or the Michaelmas Goose.
In addition Sue has included a selection of evocative black and white
photographs (some with kind permission of Manx National Heritage), with
biographical snapshots of two of the main photographers (Cowen and Southward)
who sought to record the vestiges of the old way of life, many of them
previously unpublished.
Also included are some tantalising extracts from ‘Vocabulary of the
Anglo-Manx Dialect’ compiled by A. W. Moore to whet the appetite of the reader.
The busy Manx housewife may have had little variation in her store
cupboard, but she was nothing if not resourceful. There was little waste and
although plain fare her cooking was nourishing and healthy.
Many of the ingredients can be bought easily on a contemporary
shopping trip, with recipes to suit all occasions, and with easy to read
conversion charts at the turn of a page there’s really no excuse not to rustle
up a pot of Manx broth, or learn more about how to cook Tanrogans. But if you
want to know more about the magnificent Dalby Sandwich you’ll have to buy the
book!
Priced at £10.50 ‘My Grandmother’s Cook Book’ is available from the
Lexicon Bookshop, the Manx Museum, House of Manannan and other Island outlets.
Valerie Caine © November 2011
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