3 Review(s)

The book features a variety of basic recipes that cover essential skills, including how to prepare soups, meats, vegetables, sauces, and desserts. Harland's writing style is straightforward and practical, providing clear instructions for beginners. The recipes are designed to teach foundational cooking techniques while also ensuring that the meals are wholesome, economical, and easy to prepare. A key aspect of the book is the use of affordable ingredients, reflecting the 19th-century emphasis on frugality in household management.Cookery for Beginners also offers helpful advice on kitchen organization, table setting, and the basics of meal planning. Harland advocates for efficient cooking methods that save both time and money, making the book a valuable resource for women looking to balance the demands of cooking with the other responsibilities of running a home. The cookbook reflects the Victorian ideals of domesticity, where women were often expected to manage not just the home but also the food preparation in a way that was both nourishing and socially respectable. Today, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the culinary practices and domestic life of the late 19th century, making it a key historical text for those interested in early American cooking and domestic science.