Liz Harfull presents August’s Talking History – Tried, Tested and True: Celebrating Australian Community Cookbooks

Forget celebrity chefs. The books that truly reflect what most Australians cooked and ate at home for more than 100 years were put together by people you have never heard of, all in the name of helping others. Community cookbooks have raised millions of dollars for thousands of causes, ranging from cash-strapped local schools and churches to international movements like the Red Cross, since what is regarded as the first Australian example was released in the 1890s.

Many of these books were humble publications, hand-printed and stapled together by volunteers. But some, like the iconic Green and Gold Cookery Book, have outlived fleeting food fads, and are still in print and much-used today.

In this talk, best-selling author Liz Harfull will explore previously untold stories from the extensive original research she undertook to write her latest book, Tried Tested and True, and the woman who inspired her quest, Annie Sharman, compiler of our State’s most loved cookbook.

What does Queen Mary have to do with Pembroke College? What exactly is a Hinkler cake, the heritage recipe being celebrated at this year’s Royal Adelaide Show? How did a miner from Moonta get involved in feeding thousands of starving Adelaide children during the Great Depression? And why on earth did Einstein’s Theory of Relativity inspire the ladies of Orroroo to create a recipe book?

Liz’s books will be available for purchase on the night for the special price of $35. Normally $39.95. Cash sales only.

This free public lecture is part of History Trust of South Australia’s Talking History series.

Doors open at 5.15pm. Lecture commences at 5.30pm. Book online here.

Parking available on Torrens Parade Ground, off Victoria Drive. Light refreshments will be provided. Wine sponsor – O’Leary Walker Wines.

An award-winning journalist, rural communicator and Churchill Fellow, who grew up on a farm near Mount Gambier, Liz Harfull discovered her love of both writing and cooking at a young age. Her career as an author began with The Blue Ribbon Cookbook, which captures the traditions of South Australian country shows and show cooks. Released ten years ago and still in print, it became a surprise bestseller, even taking the author to Paris after winning a Gourmand World Cookbook Award. Passionate about history and telling the stories of Australia’s quiet voices, Liz now lives at Macclesfield, occasionally finding time to bake scones and make jam, while juggling a busy writing career.