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Nonsense Books · Chapter
To Make an Amblongus Pie explained
A nonsensical recipe for an Amblongus Pie, involving absurd cooking instructions and ingredients, culminating in throwing the finished pie out of the window.
What happens
A nonsensical recipe for an Amblongus Pie, involving absurd cooking instructions and ingredients, culminating in throwing the finished pie out of the window.
Themes in this chapter
Nonsense and Absurdity
The entire recipe is a parody of cookery instructions, with impossible steps and a ridiculous conclusion.
Key passages
“Take 4 pounds (say 4½ pounds) of fresh Amblongusses, and put them in a small pipkin.”
Start with about four and a half pounds of imaginary Amblongusses in a small pot.
The recipe begins with a fictional ingredient and a vague measurement.
“Serve up in a clean dish, and throw the whole out of window as fast as possible.”
Present the pie on a clean plate, then immediately toss it out the window.
The absurd final step subverts the purpose of cooking.