Victorian Recipes with a Side of Scandal

Victorian Recipes with a Side of Scandal by award-winning author Sherry Monahan invites you to savor a taste of history while uncovering the extraordinary life of Ethel Barry, a Victorian socialite whose journey was anything but conventional. Born into the rigid expectations of a proper Victorian household, Ethel was groomed to marry well, manage a household, and uphold the era’s stringent social norms. But life had other plans. When a transatlantic move brought her to America—and into a marriage that fell far short of her gilded expectations—Ethel sought solace and empowerment in the unlikeliest of places: the kitchen. Despite a privileged upbringing that left her untrained in the culinary arts, Ethel embraced cooking with passion and determination. Through over seventy-five authentic Victorian-era recipes, Monahan recreates the flavors of Ethel’s time, weaving them into a compelling narrative of creativity, adaptation, and quiet defiance. Yet, this isn’t just a cookbook—it’s a tale steeped in scandal and rebellion. From clandestine skinny-dipping escapades to a sensational divorce that made national headlines with its shocking accusations, Ethel’s life defied the conventions of her day at every turn. Victorian Recipes with a Side of Scandal masterfully blends mouthwatering recipes with the captivating story of a woman who challenged societal norms and forged a path all her own. Step into Ethel’s world, where every dish tells a story, and every chapter serves up a taste of tenacity, defiance, and rich history.