Elinor Fettiplace's Receipt Book

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Elinor Fettiplace's Receipt Book is a manuscript collection of recipes and remedies compiled by Elinor Fettiplace, an English housewife in the early 17th century. The book provides a valuable insight into the culinary and medical practices of the Elizabethan era.

History

Elinor Fettiplace, born Elinor Poole in 1570, married Sir Richard Fettiplace and resided at Appleton Manor in Berkshire (now in Oxfordshire). The receipt book was compiled around 1604 and passed down through the Fettiplace family. It was eventually published in 1986 by Hilary Spurling, a descendant of the Fettiplace family.

Content

The receipt book contains over 200 recipes, including instructions for making meat dishes, desserts, preserves, and beverages. It also includes various remedies for common ailments, reflecting the medical knowledge of the time.

Culinary Recipes

The culinary section of the book features a wide range of recipes, from roasts and pies to sweets and confections. Some notable recipes include:

• Marchpane - a type of marzipan used for decorative desserts.
• Posset - a warm drink made with milk, sugar, and spices.
• Syllabub - a frothy dessert made with cream and wine.

Medical Remedies

The medical section includes remedies for ailments such as headaches, colds, and indigestion. These remedies often involve the use of herbs, spices, and other natural ingredients.

Significance

Elinor Fettiplace's Receipt Book is significant for its detailed documentation of Elizabethan culinary and medical practices. It provides historians and researchers with a unique glimpse into the daily life and domestic management of an English household in the early 17th century.

Publication

The manuscript was edited and published by Hilary Spurling in 1986, making it accessible to a wider audience. The published version includes annotations and explanations of the historical context and ingredients.

See Also

• Elizabethan era
• Culinary history
• Medical history
• Manuscript