Gladys Marshall has over seven decades of experience as a home cook. The recipes that she has used, amended and developed and come to rely upon over the years, are reproduced here for the amateur cook. They draw upon the years of austerity when Gladys was inspired by the frugal genius of “Cookie” Springle who provided nourishing and economical meals at London’s Stamford Hill telephone exchange. More latterly Gladys has entertained regularly at her Norfolk home where very much more lavish menus were created for an endless stream of guests. Drawing together a diversity of influences and ingredients the recipes included here have been given a practical stance, which it is hoped will make a contribution to the enthusiasm of today’s cooks.