The Fannie Farmer Cookbook, also known as The Boston Cooking-School Cook Book, is a classic American cookbook written by Fannie Merritt Farmer in 1896. It is still in print today and is considered one of the most influential cookbooks of all time.
Fannie Farmer was a pioneering home economist and the principal of the Boston Cooking School, where she taught cooking and home economics. Her cookbook was the first to introduce the concept of using standardized measurements in recipes, which revolutionized the way people cooked at home. Prior to the publication of The Fannie Farmer Cookbook, most recipes were written in a vague and imprecise manner, with instructions such as "a pinch of this" or "a handful of that." Farmer believed that using precise measurements was essential for consistent and successful cooking, and her cookbook was the first to provide exact measurements for all ingredients.
The Fannie Farmer Cookbook also introduced the concept of using ratios to create basic doughs and sauces, which allowed home cooks to create a variety of dishes using a single recipe as a foundation. This was a major departure from traditional cookbooks, which typically provided a separate recipe for each dish.
The Fannie Farmer Cookbook features a wide range of recipes, including soups, meats, vegetables, and desserts. Some of the most well-known recipes from the cookbook include roast beef, chicken pot pie, and Boston cream pie. The cookbook also includes a number of vegetarian recipes, such as baked beans, which are a traditional New England dish.
In addition to recipes, The Fannie Farmer Cookbook also includes chapters on cooking techniques, equipment, and ingredient substitutions. Farmer was a firm believer in the importance of education in the kitchen, and her cookbook is filled with helpful tips and explanations for even the most basic cooking tasks.
Today, The Fannie Farmer Cookbook is still a popular choice for home cooks, and its enduring popularity is a testament to Farmer's vision and the lasting impact of her work. Whether you're a beginner cook or an experienced chef, The Fannie Farmer Cookbook is an invaluable resource that belongs in every kitchen.