Marjorie Winslow's 1961 Mud Pies And Other Recipes, exquisitely illustrated by Erik Blegvad, is a treasure of a quirky cookbook - a cookbook for dolls! Some recipes are exquisitely simple; for instance, here is how to make Dollypops: Pick a dandelion from the lawn carefully, so as not to disturb the fluff. Hand it to your doll and tell her to lick. But what is most remarkable is the attention to details, including in terms of presentation of the dishes, and the impression, conveyed throughout the book, that cooking is a fun experience, not a chore. I also love the idea that children can make their own playthings with what they find around the house and the garden, instead of buying more plastic junk. Winslow, for instance, explains how to make a doll cake pan with the bottom of a milk carton.
Gravel en Casserole, anyone?
Emily Dickinson
Take the Quiz here!
21 comments:
Wow- what a cool book!
how sweet! i love books like these. hope you have a great weekend. I am off to Pasadena,oh and hugs to Benjy.
SEALAURA - What fun things are you going to do in Pasadena?
Oh this is so much my sort of thing. (I make up dishes that GG would make. Of course, they are classic French:)
Mi little girl cooked a lot with flowers and leaves, shells and coloured stones, and then I used to draw food (pizza and cakes) and cut it out...
never used buttons, but I should have done... she is 11 years old and on into real food now!
ciao
Alessandra
GIULIA - oh do tell me what dishes dear Gattina would make! I can just envision her, paws and whiskers still dusted with flower...
ALESSANDRA - it sounds like your little one had a lot of fun! I hope you took pictures to record those precious moments.
This book is so lovely! I love the illustration.. so cute!!!
What a charming idea! I'll have to get my hands on a copy but I probably won't have one in time for England.
VANESSA - well, if you're going to England, you're guaranteed to find it there.
it amazes me what kids brains think up. they re brilliant really
~laura
With an open mind to invention, plastic toys and props are not needed... true, so true.
I have this book! Got it when I was 6, from my aunt in San Francisco! What a joy to see someone else has enjoyed it!
Beautiful words and delightful illustrations! Dolls are lucky!
Very lovely illos - I'd love to have a look at this!
Mary-Laure--I've tried to think of how to break it to everyone the horrid truth: Giulia would indeed have flour-dusted whiskers & paws but in the service of, um, making some savories. Some gratins. Some dishes en casserole that would offend vegetarians & refined persons (or both). I feel I should not say more:)
S.
This looks fabulous! When was it published? I completely agree with you about buying plastic junk. The dandelion as Dollypop and the Leaves en Brochette are much better ideas.
Oh, sheesh, I'm not paying close enough attention. It's right there...1961.
Children can gain much more fun by making playthings. Consumption does not bring us complete pleasure.
So fun!! Any child will adore this!!
Come enter my giveaway from Empress of the Eye! You will love the interview!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
i love this! so nice to come back here again!
ROUGHTERRAIN - I agree with you 100%. Kids should be encouraged to make toys - it stimulates their skills and imagination.
Post a Comment