"cookery" news and stories

In 1861 Mrs. Beeton, arguably the most influential food writer in England in the 19th century, said "In order that the duties of the Cook may be properly performed, and that he may be able to reproduce esteemed dishes with certainty, all terms of indecision should be banished from his art."

In that one sentence, I learn how little Mrs. Beeton and I would have gotten along, as I believe that experimentation born out of indecision is at the root of many great food moments. Come on, how else could someone have discovered that the artichoke was edible if not for an indecisive cook who thought, "Well, maybe if I just keep pulling the leaves off, there's be something I can eat underneath." However, despite my disagreements with her style, she is a fascinating read, as she creates a vivid picture of cooking, home and food as it existed in her day. If you'd like to take a trip through the culinary past, go to this site, where you can read the full text of her book.

Via Metafilter

"Some women, it is said, like to cook. This book is not for them."

If you have any interest at all in cooking or history, you must get your hands on a copy of Peg Bracken's I Hate To Cook Book. Published in 1960, Peg Bracken was the forerunner to women like Sandra Lee, taking a semi-homemade approach to things that she felt obligated to do, like cooking for her husband. Peg's strategy was to get away from the stove and onto another cocktail as quickly as possibly. Her writing is clever and witty, downright hilarious at times. Even without considering that it is a cookbook, it makes a great read.

Old is new again as vintage cookbooks are rediscovered online. These books, previously relegated to the back of closets everywhere, are being dusted off, opened and enjoyed. They were even the subject of a blogging event. They range from the insightful - perhaps an old Joy of Cooking - to the bizarre, like this old copy of The Ground Meat Cookbook from the 50s found via BoingBoing.

The cookbook contains "204 intriguing ground meat recipes", but also contains general cooking tips, lovely illustrations and surprisingly appetizing photography. It is unlikely I would want to try the "Jellied Veal Loaf", but I do think I will take a look through the back of my grandparents' kitchen cupboard the next time I visit.

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