Ruth Binney has been collecting old sayings, wisdom and traditional remedies for over 50 years. She holds a degree in Natural Sciences from Cambridge University and has been involved in countless publications during her career as an editor. She is the author of four other books for D&C. Ruth lives near Weymouth, Dorest.

1. The Pleasures of the Kitchen; Including: 'There is a salad for every season' and 'A woman who has mastered sauces sits on the apex of civilisation'; 2. Tasty Meat and Fish; Including: 'Rub pork in salt to get good crackling' and 'Jug a hare in its own blood'; 3. All the Best Methods; Including:'Heat a lemon before you squeeze it' and 'Melba toast needs cutting twice'; 4. Perfect Vegetables and Fruit; Including: 'Don't chop garlic with a knife' and 'Scrape carrots, don't peel them'; 5. Beautifully Baked; Including: 'Side rolling makes pastry roll unevenly' and "For a swiss roll, speed is the essence'; 6. The Careful Cook; Including: 'Before storing, rub cheese with butter' and 'Keep meringues in the airing cupboard'.