Existing comment:
The first cookbook published in British America was printed by William Parks -- Virginia's first printer -- in Williamsburg in 1742. It is a reprint of the fifth edition of a popular English recipe book by Mrs. E. Smith. In the 1600s, the average Virginia woman would have boiled everything together in a pot. By the 1700s, she had more cooking vessels and utensils. More sophisticated cuisine was expected. Books of recipes were available. Unfortunately, few women could read them. |