Here's one I read earlier …

Is there anyone out there who likes a spot of culinary history – if there is then you might like to know about Alexis Soyer. There's a book called “Relish” The Extraordinary Life of Alexis Soyer Victorian Celebrity Chef by Ruth Cowen.

This chap was seriously brilliant. If you ever wondered where your fancy dancin' modern ovens, ranges, et al, sprang from – Mr. Soyer.

His list of accomplishments is legendary – he was appointed Chef de Cuisine at The Reform Club in 1837 at 27 years old. The Reform Club – still in existence today – is a private members club in Pall Mall, London which opened in 1841 although construction began in 1837.

Apart from being a Celebrity Chef he designed the kitchens in the Club and, among other innovations, he installed gas stoves. His designs also produced one of the earliest domestic gas cookers.

Anyone heard of the brand name “Crosse & Blackwell” - Mr. Soyer helped create the sauces and relishes that made them famous.

During the Irish potato famine – 1845-1852 – he masterminded soup kitchens.

We then move to the Crimea where his work with army catering saved many lives. Contrary to popular belief far more soldiers died from lack of food than on the battle field. He invented the “Soyer Stove” & “Soyer's Magic Stove”. During his time at the Crimea Florence Nightingale caught Crimean Fever – she survived but was very ill – Mr. Soyer helped her regain her strength by preparing food for her and thus aiding her recovery.

He was a very busy guy, publishing many books – in 1849 came his ground breaking The Modern Housewife or Ménagere - the “Shilling Cookery for the People” came in 1854, which was designed to educate the poor in basic cookery using inexpensive ingredients, readily available. There are others!

These are just tiny nuggets – if you are interested in food or social history or both you'll really enjoy this book.

As for his recipes – we'll save those for another day ….