Lynne Edwards (LHS 1971) discovered her passion for cooking during her school days, inspired by supportive teachers. She has since combined this with her love of flowers and wildlife to produce a cookbook featuring home-tested recipes alongside her own images and reflections.
Did you develop a passion for cooking during your time at School?
I did. The teaching was hugely encouraging, and I developed an interest in both the theory and practice. I particularly enjoyed learning about the science behind the practical involvement.
Were there any teachers that particularly inspired or influenced you?
Mrs Margaret Bradley, who, coincidentally, was a neighbour in later life. She not only praised me for my efforts, when appropriate, but also pulled me up on occasions if my work surface was not spotlessly clean! (Mrs Bradley was also my needlework mistress, and encouraged a different creativity in me.)
What motivated you to put together your book?
For some time, I have wanted to put this book together.
Originally, I worked on the idea of collating recipes for a ‘cookbook’. Then I considered that my love of flowers, plants, and wildlife should, in some way, be included. I then thought further about it and felt that some of the loveliest poems, phrases, and quotes I have known should also be part of this. The idea of sharing these recipes, my images, and thoughts was important to me.
How did you come up with your recipes? Are they passed down through the family or your own creations?
I have collated, tried, and tested numerous recipes for many years. They come from a variety of sources, which include family favourites and my versions and adaptations of well-known dishes. All the recipes have been tried and tested in my kitchen at home.
Do you have a favourite dish from your book that you especially love to make?
My favourite savoury dish is Tarragon Chicken (Poulet à L’Estragon) with its lovely juicy chicken and silky cream and wine tarragon sauce.
My favourite dessert is Blackberry and Apple Crumble (with oodles of softly-whipped double cream!).
Besides cooking, do you have any other hobbies or passions?
I do! I am a keen rosarian! I enjoy botanical illustration and watercolour painting, photography, calligraphy, horticulture, reading, and travelling. It is worth saying that many of my hobbies and interests were first kindled by my High School teachers: Mrs Jameson (French); Miss Esme Kenworthy (Latin); Mrs Betty Mackley (Physics); Mr Durham (Chemistry); Mrs Allen (Geography); Miss Stephens (Science); Miss Burton (Art); Miss Westcott (English).
Where can fellow alumni and friends purchase your book?
The book “My Days of Food, Wine, and Roses” is available at Troubador Books and all good bookshops.
