The American Frugal Housewife
by By Child, Lydia Maria Francis
Category: Cooking , Regional & Ethnic , American , General

Newspaperwoman, novelist, and ardent advocate of women's rights, Lydia Maria Child (1802–1880) was recognized as one of the foremost female authors of her day. Married at 25 to a charming dreamer whose irresponsible behavior quickly depleted their meager earnings, she compiled this book (based, very likely, on personal experience) for women of less than moderate means. "Save!" "Share!" "Do not destroy!" were maxims she repeatedly stressed. Along with these words to live by, she also offered simply written recipes for roasting a pig, preparing a calf's head and buffalo tongue, as well as fixing corned beef, hasty pudding, carrot pie, apple water, cranberry pudding, and scores of other tasty and filling dishes. Her advice for non-culinary matters included suggestions for removing grease spots; cleaning pearls and white kid gloves; relieving chilblains, dysentery, and the night sweats; educating one's daughters; and dozens of other domestic concerns. First published in 1832, this fascinating book was a "must" for every bride of the mid-1800s. Enhanced with a new introduction by cookbook authority Jan Longone, it will delight today's homemakers, antiquarians, and nostalgia enthusiasts with its charming glimpse into the kitchens and homes of the past.