The "ideal" cookery book: A reliable guide for home cooking: containing 249 useful and dainty recipes (third edition)

"The 'Ideal' Cookery Book: A Reliable Guide for Home Cooking" by Lilian Clarke is a comprehensive cookery guide written in the late 19th century. This culinary handbook contains 246 recipes that are claimed to be practical, economical, and delicious, making it aimed at home cooks looking for reliable meal solutions. The book boasts a collection of both savory dishes and various desserts, catering to a wide range of tastes and occasions. The opening of the book introduces the author’s intentions and the importance of having a reliable cookbook at home amidst the many options available. Clarke emphasizes that her recipes are practical and have been tested for quality and ease of preparation. She believes that the recipes will help readers achieve the "true ideal" of cooking, suggesting that once they try her compilation, they will find it indispensable. The contents list follows, showing a diverse array of categories—from savory dishes to cakes and sauces—indicating the extensive variety the book promises.