Margaret Fulton Christmas

Newcastle Herald

Saturday November 29, 2008

Gina Cranson

Margaret Fulton, Hardie Grant Books, $59.95

Margaret Fultons Encyclopedia of Food

and Cookery, published in 1983, is

consulted on a daily basis in our home.

It is trustworthy and comprehensive and

carries not a hint of pretentiousness.

Likewise, Margaret Fulton Christmas,

published in 2008, is the genuine article and

exudes that same old-fashioned aura.

I imagine its homely approach would stand it

apart from the many other trendsetters on the

bookshop shelves.

Chapters include starters and fi ngerfoods;

mains; vegetables; salads; puddings and other

desserts; Christmas treats; sauces; dressings and

accompaniments; drinks; leftovers; and menu

ideas.

Leftovers is a chapter of particular

interest, featuring Grilled Ham and Peach

Salad; Asparagus and Ham Gratin; and

Ham and Rocket Risotto. The likes of these

are an appetising

departure from the

usual obligatory ham

and cheese toasted

sandwiches we have for

breakfast, lunch and dinner until some time in

the new year when we get down to the bare

bone.

On my Christmas fare wish list are favourites

from another time and place like Beef

Wellington and Bishops Cake.

Its not cutting edge but what Margaret

Fulton, a savvy octogenarian, brings to the

table is the feeling that she knows her dishes

intimately. It is an understanding of food

forged over many, many years.

If youre that way inclined, Margaret Fulton

Christmas could herald the advent of some fi ne

traditions in your family home.

Gina Cranson

© 2008 Newcastle Herald

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