Eye for a bargain!

This lunchtime I popped out from work to go to the Post Office to post a parcel. As usual at lunchtime there were queues stretching around and past all the shelves that hold all the standard stationery that Post Offices sell: the boring stationery with plain envelopes, brown paper and parcel tape. Just as I was leaving another shelf full of goodies caught my eye and I found that this Post Office was a step above the others as it was selling books!

I was delighted to find that they had a whole section of cookery books, all at very cheap prices!

The first book I picked up was James Martin’s Great British Winter for the grand total of £3 (RRP £17.99). I’ve always enjoyed watching James on the TV and was fortunate enough to meet him at a food and wine event a few years back. My sister has his James Martin – Desserts book and I have certainly enjoyed many delicious puddings that she has made from it. This book (as the title suggests) has a variety of winter recipes, including dishes for Hallowe’en and Bonfire night as well as Christmas. I’m already looking forward to using it as I prepare for Mr C and my first Christmas together as husband and wife!

For the even more unbelievable price of £2 I also picked up a copy of Feeding the Nation by Marguerite Patten. This book is a compilation of recipes and facts from Britain during and after World War II (1940 – 1954). I am fascinated by life in the UK during the second World War, especially for the women who were trying to run a home whilst their men were away on the front line. These women had to cope with rationing and many also contributed to the war effort, whether that be through joining the forces, helping voluntary organisations or making do and mending. I’m currently reading another book about war time life in the UK (I’ll tell you all about that when I’ve finished it!) but was completely absorbed in this book whilst reading it on the train home tonight. I’m looking forward to reading it more and trying some of the recipes out at home.

I do love it when I find a bargain!