More Amazon Shopping #2 ~ The Coronation Cookbook

The Coronation Cookbook, published in 2002.  A culinary and historical review of the four coronations that occurred in the 20th century. Each chapter showcases the background and provides tidbits of information on the last four monarchs of the United Kingdom. There are 100 recipes culled from royal banquets and coronation street parties, many of which are updated for today's palate. The earliest recorded coronation took place in 787 for Ecgfrith with all ceremonies conducted in Latin up through the 1559 ritual for Elizabeth I.

The first coronation discussed is for Edward VII (1901-1910). Also known as Bertie, he was the son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Curiously (or not) the menu is in French as are the menus for the two succeeding coronations.  Items on the on the bill of fare include soups and appetizers, with entrées consisting of trout, quail, chicken mutton and ham. The dessert choices were Champagne Sorbet or Princess Iced Pudding.

Up next we have George V (1910-1936) Again the menu is in French, but many of the dishes are now a nod to the bountiful array of English produce, livestock/game and seafood. The entrées for this coronation included fish, duck. lamb and quail with turtle soup as a starter. Dessert choices were Petit Fours and a strawberry mousse.

A few street party dishes are also mentioned. In addition to salads, fruit salads and tarts, there is a recipe for ox tongue.

George V's Silver Jubilee was held in 1935 and there are a few photos and lots of informative details on the ceremony and celebrations.

Making our way through history, we now have the coronation of George VI (1936-1952). The third monarch of the House of Windsor, George ascended the throne after his brother Edward famously       gave up the crown for "the woman he loved". George was also the subject of the film "The King's Speech" (Colin Firth) and is the father of the current monarch - Elizabeth II.

The menu lists soups, salads, quiche, chicken, quail and ham with accompanying recipes. For dessert there was ice cream!

Menus for various tea parties held during the coronation celebration include lots of yummy sweets including cakes, éclairs and numerous French pastries, tartlets and a few sandwiches. All monies raised by the tea parties went to charity.

The last coronation is for Elizabeth II (1952-current). She kept the menu simple and British with asparagus, consumme and salad as starters. The entrées were rabbit and fillet steak.

The author supplies the menu she employed for her own coronation party that year and dishes include chips & dips, cheese straws, salads and cocktails. A much celebrated dish - Coronation Chicken - is a featured recipe.

Street party recipes are are included and range from chicken pie and homemade sausage to cakes, scones and tea bread.

The menu for the Silver Jubilee (2002)  mentions trout, Angus beef, vegetables with melons and raspberries for dessert.