Gervase Markham (1568-1637) wrote treatises on horsemanship, animal husbandry, and good housekeeping. Here he tells us the temperament required of a good cook:
She must have a quick eye, a curious nose, a perfect taste and a ready care. She must not be butter-fingered, sweet-toothed, nor faint-hearted. For, the first will let everything fall, the second will consume what she should increase, and the last will lose time with too much niceness.
In modern English: have a steady hand, accept imperfection, and keep your fingers out of the icing.
Some things don’t change.
— Julia Lupton · 2009-08-13
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THE BOOK