Terry Pratchett fans will know exactly whom this cookbook is centered around and for those who have never heard of Nanny Ogg... well it's never too late. I have watched the Discworld movie, The Colour of Magic, however I have not read any Terry Pratchett books. My son has read some of his books. Including The World of Poo. Anyone can appreciate this cookbook that is filled with food and laughter.
Nanny Ogg's cookbook has recipes that border between sensible and hilarious. It's small, only 175 pages, however charming and worth a chuckle or two! The illustrations let your mind wander into the realm of Discworld. There is a preface by the author, character Nanny Ogg, and then a note from the editors, Terry Pratchett and Stephen Briggs. Another chapter is Nanny Ogg's Philosophy on Cookery. Where she shares her thoughts on cookery, housewifery, housework, cooks and ingredients. From there we move on to the recipe chapter that includes Dwarf cookery. Some recipes get you thinking while others can barely be called a recipe. At times the measurements are non-existent - just a bit of this and a dash of that. But then that is probably just the character of Nanny Ogg or the fact that she is a good cook! The last chapter is an interesting one on Etiquette. Supposedly everything you wanted to know about Notes about Other Species, Rules of Precedence, Modes of Address, Etiquette at the Table, Smoking, Some Notes on Gardening, Births, Courtship, Balls, The Language of Flowers, Marriage, Death, Royal Occasions, and finally Etiquette in the Bedroom! As serious as some of these topics are they certainly will get a laugh or two! The Afterword is a short word to the wise with a smile. Nanny Ogg's advice and I quote... "try a nice open smile. I do find it gets me out of trouble with people nine times out of ten, and even if it does get me into trouble it's generally int'resting trouble and leads to warm memories. You couldn't buy them for money."
Although I have heard that the Wow - Wow Sauce is exceptional! I will share the recipe for Jammy Devils with you.
Jammy Devils
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100g unsalted butter
75 g caster sugar
1 egg beaten
200g plain flour
3 - 4 large tablespoons jam
Preheat the oven to 180ºC / Gas 4. Grease an individual tart / bun baking tray.
Cream together the butter and sugar, then add the egg, a little at a time, beating well after each addition.
Gradually stir in the flour until a soft dough is formed. Stir in a generous tablespoon of the jam until you get a ripple effect.
Using about a dessertspoonful of the mixture for each devil, spoon the mixture into the bun tin. Gently pat down and place a dollop - about half a teaspoon - of jam on the centre of each one.
Bake in the top part of the oven for 25 - 30 minutes or until golden brown on top.
Enjoy and have a good weekend everyone! - JW