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I taught them to cook
A story of teaching cooking in an east London comprehensive in 1970s. A bit like Call the Midwife only 20 years later.
Reviews
‘An accurate, and sometimes very funny, account of the trials of a young food teacher in the 70’s. A light hearted testament to the importance of food, education, and a sizzling expose of the blindness of the powers that be.’ Prue Leith
This is a charming book, and I love its wry, nostalgic tone. Underneath that, there is a message - that food teaching really matters. Orlando Murrin President of Guild of Food Writers
What an amazing book. I taught in London schools in the 1970s so Jenny’s delightful book has prompted so many memories for me triggering laughter, pride as well as sadness and frustration! Sue Johne retired Head of Home Economics
I read this book all in one greedy gulp, like eating one of those elegant cream horns produced by Jenny and her students in the school cookery room. Amazon reviewer
Entertaining, fast paced food memoir You don't have to be interested in food or education to enjoy Jenny Ridgwell's page-turning account of teaching a disruptive and unwilling class of teenagers how to cook food in the 1970s. Lesley Garner journalist
I was transported to the 1970s with Jenny’s evocative portrayal of life teaching home economics in an east London comprehensive school. Louise Johncox, journalist and author
Reviews
‘An accurate, and sometimes very funny, account of the trials of a young food teacher in the 70’s. A light hearted testament to the importance of food, education, and a sizzling expose of the blindness of the powers that be.’ Prue Leith
This is a charming book, and I love its wry, nostalgic tone. Underneath that, there is a message - that food teaching really matters. Orlando Murrin President of Guild of Food Writers
What an amazing book. I taught in London schools in the 1970s so Jenny’s delightful book has prompted so many memories for me triggering laughter, pride as well as sadness and frustration! Sue Johne retired Head of Home Economics
I read this book all in one greedy gulp, like eating one of those elegant cream horns produced by Jenny and her students in the school cookery room. Amazon reviewer
Entertaining, fast paced food memoir You don't have to be interested in food or education to enjoy Jenny Ridgwell's page-turning account of teaching a disruptive and unwilling class of teenagers how to cook food in the 1970s. Lesley Garner journalist
I was transported to the 1970s with Jenny’s evocative portrayal of life teaching home economics in an east London comprehensive school. Louise Johncox, journalist and author
208 pages, Paperback
Published May 5, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
April 7, 2023
I taught them to cook by Jenny Ridgwell
ike the chapter of boys don't cook but they make the best meals.
Rock cakes, never heard of them, sound fun and multiple uses.
Brands are from England so you may not find them at your local stores.
Cute story.
History of the stories are included at the end.
Each recipe starts with a name, summary of the dish, servings.
List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.
Directions are given and most everything is in metric measurements.
No pictures and NO nutritional information
Ends with acknowledgements.
ike the chapter of boys don't cook but they make the best meals.
Rock cakes, never heard of them, sound fun and multiple uses.
Brands are from England so you may not find them at your local stores.
Cute story.
History of the stories are included at the end.
Each recipe starts with a name, summary of the dish, servings.
List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.
Directions are given and most everything is in metric measurements.
No pictures and NO nutritional information
Ends with acknowledgements.
July 30, 2021
Great read
This took you into a 1970's classroom. I could just imagine myself there. And the humour of the day prevails. Well worth a read by anyone who wants to relive hose days.
This took you into a 1970's classroom. I could just imagine myself there. And the humour of the day prevails. Well worth a read by anyone who wants to relive hose days.
February 6, 2022
This brought back so many memories of when I first started teaching in Food tech 1989 :)
*I read the paperback not on a kindle, but Kindle is the only one listed.
*I read the paperback not on a kindle, but Kindle is the only one listed.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews