Book details
A Poetical Cook-Book
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Stored record
Metadata
- Gutenberg ID
- 25631
- Title
- A Poetical Cook-Book
- Language
- en
- Book source
- Project Gutenberg
- Description max 80 words
-
A whimsical 1864 culinary guide blending poetry with practical instruction, dedicated to the Sanitary Fair for soldiers. Maria J. Moss elevates cooking to a fine art, offering recipes for sauces, vegetables, and cakes alongside witty verses on kitchen management, ingredient selection, and the social grace of dining.
- Summary up to 500 words
-
Maria J. Moss's *A Poetical Cook-Book*, published in 1864, presents a unique fusion of gastronomy and literature, framing the kitchen as a stage for both artistic expression and domestic duty. The text opens with a dedication to the suffering soldiers of the Civil War, establishing a tone of patriotic service mixed with lighthearted wit. Moss argues that while cooks possess innate wit, the art of cooking can be refined through study and nature's guidance. The book is structured into sections of poetry and prose, beginning with 'Miscellaneous Observations' that offer the mistress of the house advice on inventory management, storage techniques for meats and vegetables, and the importance of cleanliness. Moss emphasizes economy without sacrificing quality, suggesting that inferior cuts can be dressed as well as prime pieces if prepared correctly. The culinary instructions are interspersed with rhyming couplets that celebrate the senses and the joy of a well-ordered feast. Recipes range from savory items like mushroom ketchup, cranberry sauce, and various stews to sweet treats including Derby cakes, cheesecakes, and macaroons. Moss provides detailed methods for preserving flavors, such as drying herbs and curing meats, while warning against common pitfalls like over-boiling vegetables or using hard water. The work concludes with an index and notes on brewing beer and ale, reflecting the comprehensive nature of a household's needs in the mid-19th century. Ultimately, the book serves as both a functional manual for the home cook and a literary tribute to the essential role of food in civilized life.
- LLM editorial rating
- 4.2/5
- Download URL
- https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/25631.epub.noimages
- Local file path
-
data/epubs/pg25631.epub - Downloaded at
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People
Authors
- Maria J. Moss
Classification
Categories
- Poetry
- Cooking