Ep 9. 18th Century Cookbooks

In the ninth episode of the fourth season of A Taste of History, entitled "18th Century Cookbooks," host Walter Staib takes viewers on a journey through the history of cookbooks in colonial America. Starting in the early 1700s, Staib explores the evolution of cookbooks from handwritten recipe collections passed down within families to printed guides that were widely distributed throughout the colonies.

Staib visits a rare book dealer in Philadelphia to view some of the earliest known American cookbooks, including a copy of Amelia Simmons' "American Cookery," which was first published in 1796 and is considered the first cookbook written by an American.

Next, Staib travels to the historic Mount Vernon estate in Virginia to meet with curator Susan Schoelwer and learn about the cookbooks used by George Washington's household. Schoelwer shares Washington's favorite recipe for hoecakes, a type of cornbread that was a staple of the colonial diet.

Staib then heads back to his own kitchen to prepare some classic colonial recipes using cookbooks from the time period, such as Hannah Glasse's "The Art of Cookery Made Plain and Easy" and William Alcott's "The Young Housekeeper's Friend."

Throughout the episode, viewers learn about the cultural and culinary influences that shaped colonial American cuisine, including the use of spices brought over from Europe and the incorporation of Native American foods like corn and beans.

As always, Staib's passion for history and food shines through as he brings viewers on a fascinating journey through the early days of American cooking. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or simply curious about the origins of American cuisine, this episode of A Taste of History is sure to satisfy.