Liz Harful presented on 21 August 2018 'Tried Tested and True'.

Forget celebrity chefs. The books that truly reflect what most Australians cooked and ate at home for more than 100 years were put together by people you have never heard of, all in the name of helping others. Community cookbooks have raised millions of dollars for thousands of causes, ranging from cash-strapped local schools and churches to international movements like the Red Cross, since what is regarded as the first Australian example was released in the 1890s.

Many of these books were humble publications, hand-printed and stapled together by volunteers. But some, like the iconic Green and Gold Cookery Book, have outlived fleeting food fads, and are still in print and much-used today.

In this talk, best-selling author Liz Harfull explores previously untold stories from the extensive original research she undertook to write her book, 'Tried Tested and True', and the woman who inspired her quest.

This free public lecture was part of the History Trust of South Australia's Talking History series. For upcoming events visit: history.sa.gov.au/whats-on/events/