Women In US History the First American Cookbook

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Amelia Simmons American Cookery Image Source: Wikipedia

Ameila Simmons Published the First American Cookbook

American Cookery Image Source Salt Shaker Net

September is often associated with women's history and women that have achieved recognition in different academic fields. Ameila Simmons, an orphan, published the first cookbook in the United States called American Cookery in 1796. Not much is known about her background and where she lived.

It is believed she lived in Connecticut and the book was published by a Connecticut publisher. Amelia lived in other parts of the US during her lifetime. The book had recipes for stews, stuffed leg of lamb, roasts, and Queens Cake. The cookbook was only 45 pages long.

Amelia Simmon was a domestic worker and worked for wealthy families to support herself. The cookbook was a project in CT to promote the agricultural farms and network. Leaders during this time were connected to publishers, newspapers, and printers. They used the cookbook to market the success of the farming industry.

The cookbook promoted a more lavish way of eating associated with the Victorian era. Amelia Simmons as a domestic worker learned how to handle meats, fruits, vegetables, breads, and other foods to run a family home. She knew how to shop, store, and cook meals for a household.

In the cookbook American Cookery, she explained ways to keep peas green for long periods of time, how to dry peaches, and use a product similar to baking soda. This cookbook promoted British recipes but introduced independence by using local ingredients in the United States. As an orphan and domestic worker Amelia was popular with women living in difficult situations.

The Struggle of Being An Orphan

She discussed her role as an orphan with other women. She had to work as a domestic worker and to work for wealthy families. Amelia says she had to establish herself as a woman of good character. Ameila paid for the publishing of the first edition of the cookbook.

In the second addition of American Cookery Amelia corrected several mistakes made by the transcriber. She was angry with the mistakes made in the cookbook and the marketing guide they included without her knowledge. She is credited with having the first cupcake recipe, and recipes on how to make cakes, pies, and tarts.

Amelia did not have access to money for education and the finer things in life. It was harder to make money and get ahead in society Amelia spent many years as a servant learning to cook and manage food in different households. Despite this she managed to do well and be an inspiration to women during that time and today when we learn about her struggles.