Find here the ingredients, cooks, techniques and tools that have shaped our love of food in this lavishly illustrated book. The history of food and cooking is the history of civilisation. In today’s world we can get food from just about anywhere, at any time of day, but how many of us know exactly where our much-loved recipes come from, who invented them, and how they were originally prepared? In this richly entertaining book, food writer William Sitwell explores the fascinating history of cuisine from the first cookbook to the first cupcake, from the invention of the sandwich to the rise of food television. His engaging and witty narrative uncovers the earliest recipes tucked within Egyptian tomb walls and medieval manuscripts and shines a light on the many trends and technological innovations that have shaped the way we eat over hundreds of years.

One of the most entertaining and informative accounts of the struggle to feed the nation during the Second World War, is William Sitwell’s Eggs Or Anarchy. It’s the heroic tale of how Lord Woolton, Minister for Food, managed to ensure Britons were fed and nourished against all the odds. You can read more about it in our review here.

The Saucy Dressings veg lady has been with us since the beginning. Painted by my mother when she first started writing Saucy Dressings, she is the true character of the blog. We know her affectionately as Letitia, after the Roman goddess of joy and abundance. For anyone who loves her as much as we do, we have made her available to download as a high res digital print. The download is strictly for private use only. Please see our terms and conditions for details.

Poetic Licence infused gin with mulled winter fruits makes the perfect winter warmer. It also lends an additional kick to my Black Dragon on Fire cocktail. You can see the recipe here. 70cl 40.1% ABV

This book really taught me how to play with flavours and get creative with my cooking. When things go wrong, what you learn from this book helps you put it right. To read how it helped me reduce my food waste, click here.