Revealed: the recipes that fuelled Charles Darwin

A cookbook containing recipes created by Charles Darwin's wife has been published, offering a fascinating insight into the food that fuelled the mind of the great naturalist.

The book, which contains guides to making such Victorian favourites as broiled mushrooms and Penally Pudding, is being marketed as the perfect resource for those planning a "credit crunch Christmas".

Traditionally festive recipes include baked apple pudding, cranberry sauce and compote of apples and Italian cream.