The Alice B. Toklas Cook Book

Toklas cookbook cover

The Alice B. Toklas Cook Book is a notable work in the genre of culinary literature, first published in 1954. It is not merely a collection of recipes but also includes memoirs and musings by Alice B. Toklas, the life partner of the famous American writer Gertrude Stein. The book provides a fascinating glimpse into the Parisian avant-garde and bohemian life of the early 20th century, through the lens of food and friendship.

Background

Alice B. Toklas met Gertrude Stein in Paris in 1907, and the two quickly became inseparable. Toklas became Stein's confidante, lover, cook, secretary, muse, and editor. Together, they hosted a salon in Paris that was frequented by some of the most influential artists and writers of their time, including Pablo Picasso, Ernest Hemingway, and F. Scott Fitzgerald. The culinary experiences that Toklas and Stein shared during these years, as well as during their travels, form the backbone of The Alice B. Toklas Cook Book.

Content

The book is divided into two parts. The first part contains Toklas's memoirs, filled with anecdotes about her life with Stein and their famous friends, interwoven with recipes that were significant to them. The second part focuses more on traditional French recipes that Toklas collected over the years.

One of the most famous recipes included in the book is for "Hashish Fudge," a concoction that contains cannabis. This recipe, which Toklas received from artist and friend Brion Gysin, has led to the book sometimes being associated with counterculture and psychedelic movements, although this was not Toklas's intention.

Reception

Upon its publication, The Alice B. Toklas Cook Book was celebrated for its unique blend of literary and culinary art. Critics praised Toklas for her vivid storytelling and her ability to capture the essence of the Parisian artistic community through its tastes and smells. The book has since become a classic, admired both for its historical insight and its recipes.

Legacy

The book remains in print and continues to be a source of inspiration for those interested in French cuisine, literary history, and the lives of Toklas and Stein. It has also inspired various adaptations and homages in literature and film.

See Also

• Gertrude Stein
• French cuisine
• Culinary arts
• Paris in the 1920s