The Cookery Blue Book

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

26374

Title

The Cookery Blue Book

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Published in 1891 by the Society for Christian Work of the First Unitarian Church in San Francisco, this vintage cookbook offers a comprehensive collection of domestic recipes. Featuring detailed instructions for soups, breakfast dishes, cakes, candies, and preserves, the book reflects late 19th-century culinary practices with an emphasis on economy and practicality for the home cook.

Summary up to 500 words

Published in 1891 by the Society for Christian Work of the First Unitarian Church in San Francisco, *The Cookery Blue Book* stands as a utilitarian guide to domestic cooking from the turn of the century. The text is organized into clear, functional sections designed to provide nourishing, affordable meals using standard household equipment. The soup chapter offers a wide array of recipes, including Bouillon, Beef, Tomato, and various pea and celery soups. These preparations often rely on common, economical ingredients such as salt pork, beef trimmings, and vegetable scraps. The book provides specific instructions for clearing broths and thickening soups with flour or corn starch, reflecting the era's focus on resourcefulness. Breakfast offerings are equally diverse, featuring baked omelets, baked eggs, and sweet dishes like vermicelli and bananas. The baking section is extensive, detailing numerous cake varieties such as Chocolate, Marble, and Sponge cakes, alongside cookies, breads, and confections like caramels and taffy. Savory sections cover fish preparations, meat entrees, and vegetable dishes, while a dedicated chapter addresses pickles, chutneys, and preserves. The book also includes recipes for social gatherings, such as punch and egg nog. The instructions throughout are direct and practical. Recipes for items like "Soup a la Minute" and "Fish-balls" demonstrate an emphasis on speed and simplicity. The text includes specific notes on technique, such as skimming grease from soups to ensure clarity and browning meats before stewing. The inclusion of recipes for both white and dark cakes, as well as fruit-laden loaves, highlights the book's versatility. Furthermore, the "Gentlemen's Corner" section provides elaborate recipes for alcoholic punches and egg nog, catering to social events. Overall, *The Cookery Blue Book* serves as a comprehensive manual for maintaining a well-stocked, efficient kitchen, prioritizing health and economy without sacrificing variety or flavor.

LLM editorial rating

4.0/5

Download URL

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/26374.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg26374.epub

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Downloaded at

2026-07-07 13:33 UTC

Categories

• Cooking
• Community