FIFTEEN years after releasing her first sell out cookbook Charleville woman Jan L’Estrange has “finally” launched her second edition.
Ms L’Estrange’s cookbook, Jan’s Country Kitchen Second Edition, went on sale at the Charleville Show last Friday much to the delight of her fans who have been waiting to get their hands on a copy of her recipe book since it sold out years ago.
The new edition features all the recipes from her original book plus 50 new listings, a handy hints section and blank pages to add your own favourites.
The 74-year-old has been cooking since she was just 10 when she began making fairy cakes and toffee with her mother.
Ms L’Estrange said the recipes, which had been collected over her lifetime and other’s in the community, were all tried and tested.
“One (recipe) I made for the first time for a QCWA function in 1959, when I was a 16-year-old Tambo Branch Younger Set member,” she said.
“Some have come from friends and relatives as well as from books and magazines, many of which have encouraged Australian women to be more adventurous in their choices of food.”
She said the recipes ranged in age from the convict days to now, and many belonged to QCWA ladies, some passed on, which was why she had deleted names from beneath individual recipes.
The cookbook features main meal recipes, including mutton and lamb which is making a comeback in the west, jams, relishes, cakes and confectionery.
Member for Warrego Ann Leahy spoke at Ms L’Estrange’s cookbook launch and even gave a shout out to Jan’s husband, Bill who was the silent “editor behind the scenes”.
The cookbook is endorsed by QCWA which Murweh Shire Mayor Annie Liston said was reflective of the offerings inside.
“I think more people are going back to basics in the home as they discover that cooking at home is a good way of saving money,” she said on the back cover of the book.
“And an organisation like the QCWA, with their legendary knowledge of preparing inexpensive and healthy food, is an excellent base for people to turn to.”
The cookbook can be purchased for $15 by contacting Susann Ranson (susannranson2@hotmail.com), QCWA Charleville (mary.dunne82@yahoo.com or summerville557@activ8.net.au) or Jan L’Estrange (janlestrange@exemail.com.au).