Place of Origin

United States ➔ New Jersey ➔ Bridgeton

Date of Composition

1810

Description

William Elmer was born in Bridgeton, New Jersey, in 1788, and lived in the town until his death in 1836. Like his father, he was a medical doctor. Elmer married twice, first to Nancy Blakeley Potter (1791-1816), in 1812, then to Nancy Kean Potter (1802-1871, in 1819. He had six children, three with each wife, born between 1813 and 1827. All of his children lived into adulthood, two into the early twentieth century.

Elmer inscribed his recipe book “Wm. Elmer, Nov. 1st, 1810” on the front flyleaf. The book is in two parts. This first part begins with an 8-page alphabetical index, followed by approximately 108 pages of recipes. This part of the book consists mostly of medical formulas, but it also includes a very interesting section headed “Alimentaria,” on pages 78-88, which outlines food recipes suitable for those who are ill. Among these recipes are two restorative meat broths, a bread made with cornmeal (for constipation), raw potatoes in vinegar (for scurvy), three gruels (of oatmeal, ground almonds, and breadcrumbs), and a lightly alcoholic “summer drink.” There are also comments on the nutritional properties of several vegetables and fruits. The second part of the book, which begins on page 155, under the heading “Cookery,” comprises 12 pages of food recipes. The recipes include preserved fruits, preserved meats (including a ham cure), wines, puddings, sponge cake, and little cakes (that is, cookies), one of which is titled by the unusual name “Daubs.”