Well, I haven't behaved at all, but that's another story....

so I opened my gift early after all.

Thank you so, so much Barbr'y! What a thoughtful package of fun. The 1890 "Instruction In Cookery ~ Book of Reciepts and Axioms" will be a treasured friend in my library. Did you know there is a whole page devoted to "Notes on Boiling Potatoes"?! Includes the following: "Apart, however, from the science of the matter, attentive, careful practice of the rules referred to, which are applicable to every kind of potato, both old and new, usually results, happily, in breaking down the strongest wall, even of British prejudice."

I note on the first page that it also promises "various suggestive footnotes" which I will greatily admire.

Best wishes for a merry, merry Christmas all.

Rejoice, rejoice!

Dani