These Cooks Make No Mistakes

Not long ago, my step-mom passed on to me a cookbook that had belonged to my great-grandmother.  

It's called the "Woman's Exchange Cook  Book"... and it's something of a gem. 

Just to give you a taste, the cover page reads: 

The Woman's Exchange Cookbook; A New and Complete American Culinary Encyclopedia; Containing Facts Worth Knowing, Health Suggestions, Care of the Sick, Table Etiquette, Dinner Giving, Menus, Household, Toilet and Cooking Recipes.  By Mrs.  Minnie Palmer, with the approval of Mrs. J.B. Lyon, President of the Woman's Exchange, Chicago, IL; Copyright, 1901, by W.B. Conkey Company; Art and Science Combined, Superbly Illustrated.

(Yes, that's right.  'Toilet and Cooking Recipes," just right there together, not even a comma between 'em.)

In 1906, the book belonged to one Mrs. C.A. Brainard, whose name is inscribed on the first page.  At some point, it became the property of my great-grandmother, who thought enough of it to keep it her entire life. 

I'm completely entranced by this book, and I thought it might be nice, from time to time, to share snippets with you.  

What was it like to be a wife and mother over one hundred years ago?  What is a Woman's Exchange?  How does one cook a pig's cheek?  The answers-- and more!-- are found in this book.  Slightly idealized, perhaps, but no less revealing.

Since every page is a treasure trove, I think I'll start Mary Poppins style-- at the very beginning.

Here... drum roll please... is the Introduction:

"In presenting the "Woman's Exchange Cook Book" to the mothers, housekeepers, and cooks, wherever they are, it is with supreme satisfaction that they will be greatly benefitted thereby.  As the title indicates, the sole object of the publishers of this book is to secure for the home the benefits which pre-eminently belong to woman.  A Woman's Exchange is a but a depot for the reception and sale of any article which women can make in a their own homes.  They are in operation in all the larger cities and in many of the smaller towns.

The success of this worthy institution is assured, for at its head stand the wealthiest women of our land, who are giving their best efforts to a work which recognizes no color nor creed.

Over 20,000 women have supported their families in New York and Chicago, during the past year, through efforts of the Woman's Exchange, which always selects for headquarters a business center.  

"Cooking is an Art," and these worthy women who prepare all the delicacies that make home pleasant-- soup, salads, roasts, pies, jellies, pickles, table decorations and fancy goods of all kinds, are entitled to and deserve the highest praise. The eatables and delicacies are brought in during the early hours of the morning by these women, who, in exchange, take with them a fair equivalent for their toil.  These cooks make no mistakes.  

It has been our endeavor, in this book, to present many of the recipes of these excellent women.  There can be no question as to worth, for their excellence is world-wide and they recommend themselves.  

Indigestion is primarily caused by bad cooking.  Good health is one of the most essential attributes and this can be obtained by having the food well chosen and properly cooked.

To the young housewife, who perhaps enters the kitchen for the first time, this book will prove of immense benefit.  The various recipes are simple in form and so arranged as to be of great benefit to the beginner.  Again, the experienced housekeeper will be benefitted by the new and modern ideas, which will prove a welcome addition to her already charming method of cooking.

Included in the Woman's Exchange Cook Book is a charming talk on Dinner Giving.  A menu for every day use as well as for extra occasions is also presented.  Suggestions for health, fare for invalids-- in fact, everything that goes to make up an ideal home, will be found within its pages.

We have no fear that this book will stand where its worth deserves-- and that is at the front-- and with this feeling of supreme confidence in its great value, we respectfully submit the case to the jury-- the glorious women of our glorious land."

Well.  They're a bit of a cocky bunch, aren't they?

Comments

[Jessica]

Captivating. You must be smiling as you read this. I know I was.

[Heather]

Of all the many cookbooks in our house, I've kept one spiral-bound, rural-small-town-church-published collections from my Great Grandmother's kitchen, and only for the name of this recipe: "Vernora's Tussies."

[Christi]

My interest was piqued by "fare for invalids..."

[Melinda]

That is completely awesome. Are you into Broadway musicals? (Can't remember.) If so, I highly recommend RAGTIME, a brilliant and poignant and musically very satisfying Tony-winning musical about a cross-section of America, circa 1910. One of the main characters is a society wife/mom who starts to realize that her perfect home is very confining. Your cookbook reminded me of her character... (but I trust the cookbook is going to be delightful).