Chris wrote:
> I was recently given some reprinted nineteenth century cook books
> originally written by Charles Francatelli (Queen Victoria's chef),
> Oscar Tschirky of the Waldorf, Eliza Acton and a reprinted edition of
> Fannie Farmer's 1896 cook book, and some others.

I actually prefere these old books over more modern versions. and have
a large collection including an 1875 "White House Cook Book" and a
reprint of the 17th century "Williamsburg" cook book. Escoffier's "La
Grand Cuisine" is inspirational for me and i have a small inhereted
collection of recipies cribed from a former chef of the Waldorf Astoria
in the 1920's.

I like the purity of the foods, the lack of commercial ingrediants and
the need to build from the ground up with these recipes, layering
flavors as one goes along.

But then i like Proust and all things recherche.
>
> The language of some of them is rather "quaint", but does anybody
> know if any of the recipes are any good by today's standards?

Many of them are not only very good but i personaly would never have
thought to serve a filet of fish in a baked potato with some prawns and
a cheese sauce.
---
JL

> I have
> been told that even Oscar's original Waldorf salad is not the same as
> is served today. Are any of them worth attempting? I am new to cooking
> and if I tried some of these recipes and they didn't work out I
> wouldn't know if it was just because it was an old-fashioned recipe
> or if it was me that had messed up.
>
> Also, does anyone know if there is a compilation of "the best of"
> Francatelli, Oscar of the Waldorf, Fannie Farmer, etc. in a single
> volume that would be worth getting hold of?
>
> Chris (UK).