Published in 1896, “Fannie Farmer’s 1896 Cookbook: The Boston Cooking School Cookbook” by Fannie Merritt Farmer is a popular and influential classic American cookbook. Famous for its simple directions and the creation of many cooking terms that have since become standard in kitchens all over the world, Farmer’s cookbook is full of recipes and information that remain helpful to this day. The book contains hundreds of recipes, including those for meat, poultry, and seafood dishes, various types of soup and salads, hot and cold desserts, baked goods and pastries. Farmer’s cookbook was a huge success when it was first published and was notable for its inclusion of information on nutrition, which was unusual for a cookbook of that time. It has remained useful with its detailed and easy-to-follow instructions so that anyone, even those new to cooking, can successfully make the recipes. It is also a fascinating glimpse into the eating habits and preferences of average Americans at the end of the 19th century. An important addition to the collection of anyone who enjoys cooking and American history, “Fannie Farmer’s 1896 Cookbook: The Boston Cooking School Cookbook” endures as an educational and practical guide to creating hundreds of delicious American dishes.
