The Art of Cookery Made Plain and Easy

Art of Cookery frontispiece

The Art of Cookery Made Plain and Easy is a cookbook written by Hannah Glasse and first published in 1747. It became one of the best-selling cookbooks of the 18th century and is considered a classic in English cooking literature. The book was designed to be an accessible and comprehensive guide for the average household cook, and it covers a wide range of recipes and cooking techniques.

Overview

The book's full title, The Art of Cookery Made Plain and Easy; Which far exceeds any Thing of the Kind ever yet published, reflects Glasse's intention to create an easy-to-understand guide to cooking. The cookbook includes recipes for baking, roasting, boiling, frying, and pickling, among other cooking methods. It also contains sections on preparing meat, poultry, fish, vegetables, and desserts, as well as advice on setting up a table and arranging dinners.

One of the notable aspects of The Art of Cookery Made Plain and Easy is its emphasis on simplicity and economy, which was somewhat revolutionary at the time. Glasse advocated for the use of seasonal and readily available ingredients, and her recipes were designed to be practical for daily cooking rather than extravagant feasts. This approach made the book particularly popular among the middle classes.

Influence and Legacy

The Art of Cookery Made Plain and Easy had a significant impact on English cooking and cookbook writing. Its success led to numerous editions throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, with revisions and updates that reflected changing tastes and culinary practices. The book was also published in the United States in 1805, indicating its wide appeal and influence.

Glasse's cookbook is credited with helping to shape modern English cuisine by promoting the use of fresh, local ingredients and simpler, more straightforward cooking methods. It also played a role in the development of written recipes as a genre, establishing conventions that are still in use today, such as the listing of ingredients at the beginning of a recipe and the step-by-step format of cooking instructions.

Editions and Reprints

Over the years, The Art of Cookery Made Plain and Easy has been reprinted and adapted numerous times. Modern editions often include annotations and historical notes that provide context for Glasse's recipes and cooking advice. These editions make it possible for contemporary readers to explore 18th-century cooking practices and to try their hand at historical recipes.

Cultural Significance

The book's enduring popularity is a testament to its significance in the culinary world. It is not only a valuable resource for historians and culinary enthusiasts interested in the history of cooking and domestic life but also continues to inspire cooks and chefs today. The Art of Cookery Made Plain and Easy is often cited in discussions of traditional English cuisine and is considered a cornerstone of culinary literature.

External links

• Wikibooks article on The Art of Cookery Made Plain and Easy
• Wikipedia's article on The Art of Cookery Made Plain and Easy