F. L. Gillette (1828–1926)

As most readers of my reviews know, I am an avid cookbook collector. Therefore, when I received some money for a Christmas gift this past Christmas, I ordered this beautiful book.

Hardback, it covers 46 different areas of cooking and etiquette for the time period. Beautifully written, one must be aware before purchasing that this is written just as it was in 1887.



So what does that mean for the modern cook? Well, it means, no temperatures are given (other than a "hot" oven, a"medium" oven, etc.) Measurements may be something as simple as a "a pinch", or a "dollop". So if you are planning on cooking any of the recipes and don't understand the measurements, you may wish to purchase a guide for conversions. Amazon.com has several when you perform a search, some as low as $3.99. Or you can get a free one here. (Simply copy, paste and print it off.) You can also google for conversions if you like (I [prefer this method.)

There are no photographs of meals, but there are of the White House dining rooms, and the First Ladies whose recipes are included.
The book has gold impressed print on the front, and the paper edges are gold leafed. This makes a beautiful collectors piece. Or a gift for the cook you love!

I rate this wonderful old book with...Five Stars...and a big...Thumbs Up!
I also give it my... Highly Recommended Award!


DISCLAIMER: This book was a private purchase and as such was under no obligation for review. The opinions listed above are solely those of the blog's author.… (más)

Oh no! With low-fat, no-fat, quick and great-tasting modern versions. At least these modern recipes face the originals. This is lucky, since many of the revised recipes bear almost no resemblance to the originals. Methinks they must have eliminated much of the original recipes to make room for these recipes though. The old book was NOT a thin volume! They have also spliced in modern recipes from Barbara Bush and Hillary Rodham Clinton. These are not improvements IMO, unless they interest more people in the older editions. [The White House Cook Book was originally published in 1894. I suppose, though, if more folks buy atrocities like this, it will be easier for others of us to obtain the older versions.… (más)