The Anne of Green Gables Cookbook

Joan McGrath is a Toronto Board of Education library consultant.

Unquestionably the best-loved title of all Canadian children’s literature, Anne of Green Gables is a favourite with young readers all over the world, as well as with many a nostalgic elder. The preparation and presentation of wholesome and nourishing food was a major preoccupation in the Green Gables household. Under Marilla’s critical eye, Anne learned to be a notable cook and homemaker. But who will ever forget the terrible day when, through Anne’s carelessness, a mouse drowned in the caramel pudding sauce? Or the time she flavoured the cake with liniment instead of vanilla! Here, with the drastic errors corrected, are the dishes mentioned in three of the beloved Anne books, with quotations from the particular titles in which they are prepared, and with charmingly appropriate illustrations. As well as the imperial measurements with which Anne and Marilla would have been familiar, metric equivalents are provided. One thing hasn’t changed: these recipes sound quite delicious, and all have been kitchen-tested by the author (L.M. Montgomery’s own granddaughter) and a twelve-year-old Anne-equivalent.