The Founders of American Cuisine: Seven Cookbook Authors, with Historical Recipes

This work describes the lives, careers and significance of seven chefs and authors who had profound influences on the creation of American cuisine: Amelia Simmons, author of the first known American cookbook; Mary Randolph, whose The Virginia Housewife is considered the first regional American cookbook; Miss Leslie and her bestselling 19th century work; former slave Mrs. Abby Fisher and her book on Southern cooking; Lafcadio Hearn's La Cuisine Creole; Charles Ranhofer's influence on the role of the modern chef; and Victor Hirtzler and his California cuisine. The second section includes selected recipes from each author's books, with notes to aid adaptation by the modern cook.