A Plain Cookery Book for the Working Classes

The recipes in A Plain Cookery Book for the Working Classes focus on simplicity efficiency and economy. They cover a wide range of dishes from soups and stews to meats vegetables and puddings. Many of the recipes are based on traditional British fare but are modified to use cheaper cuts of meat or more readily available ingredients. Francatelli’s goal was to teach working-class families how to make the most of what they had while still providing hearty and nourishing meals. In addition to the recipes the book offers advice on kitchen management and how to make the most of limited resources. It includes tips on meal planning cooking techniques and how to stretch ingredients for multiple meals. A Plain Cookery Book for the Working Classes is not just a cookbook; it is also a reflection of the social conditions of the time offering insight into the lives of Victorian workers and their struggles to feed their families. The book is an important historical document showcasing the intersection of class cuisine and culture in 19th-century England.