Extracts from a recipe book compiled by Esther Thomson.

Esther Thomson (nee Orchard) has handwritten most recipes in the book, but clippings from newspapers and magazines are also included. Esther has also recorded handy hints, such as methods 'to store lemons' and 'to clean silver', and home remedies, for example a mixture 'for tired feet'. A number of the recipes have the name of the person who provided the recipe, indicating that Esther and her friends were keen to swap they enjoyed. The majority of recipes are for sweet dishes, particularly puddings and cakes. Many of the recipes have very brief or no description of the method; Esther and others who might have used the cookbook were familiar with the basic method of making a pudding and, as seen in the recipe for 'beef steak rolled', a notation to 'make good gravy' was sufficient.