Although food forms the heart of the novel, numerous treasured recipe books appear as extensions not only of the food, but of those who cook, taste, and enjoy it. Much like meals themselves, books in each instance symbolize something greater than its core pieces: a gateway to memories and history. Early in the novel, when Nell and Mrs. Quince are considering the first round of the contest, they look to ancient recipe books that have been stored away in Sir Strickland’s manor. They come across a book from their household dating to 1728, more than two centuries before the story takes place. Through it, they get a glimpse into the food of the past and the practices of seasonal cooking, predating new laws that restrict hunting certain animals to certain times. The book also uses different spellings and terminology that illustrate the way culinary language has changed over time.

Another recipe book that plays an important role is the current Fenley Hall guide owned by Mrs. Quince. When Mrs. Quince understands that she doesn’t have much longer to live, she passes her recipe book onto Nell. In this way, both Nell and the reader understand that the book is more than simply a collection of notes; it’s a symbol of Mrs.