Скачать или смотреть America's First Cookbook: How an Orphan Changed U.S. Cuisine Forever

In 1796, Amelia Simmons wrote "American Cookery" - the first cookbook ever published by an American author. Beyond just sharing recipes, this remarkable book marked America's declaration of culinary independence from British traditions.

Simmons introduced uniquely American dishes like pumpkin pie and showcased local ingredients including cornmeal, cranberries and pumpkin. She even pioneered the use of pearlash - a revolutionary leavening agent that predated modern baking soda.

With only four original copies known to exist today, this rare cookbook gave America its first printed recipes for cookies, coleslaw, and Indian pudding. It represented a decisive shift away from British puddings toward desserts we now consider quintessentially American.

Most remarkably, Simmons wrote this groundbreaking work despite being an orphan with limited resources. Her innovative cookbook helped establish an authentic American culinary identity distinct from European traditions.

Sources: Library of Congress, Smithsonian Magazine