Manuscript Location

University of Pennsylvania Libraries, Kislak Center for Special Collections - Manuscripts

Place of Origin

United States ➔ Pennsylvania ➔ Erie

Date of Composition

likely ca. 1852-1870

Description

Written primarily by a single individual, mostly in pencil, this volume is inscribed on the flyleaf, "Blanche E. Williams, Erie, Penn." The recipes, most of which are culinary, are organized in five sections: cakes and cookies; pies; puddings; sauces; and miscellaneous. The miscellaneous section includes pickles, syrup, biscuits, and chicken salad, as well as soaps and a cure for chapped hands and other salves. The book contains a recipe for Jenny Lind Cake, which suggests that it was compiled in the 1850s or 1860s, following the Swedish soprano's celebrated American tour in 1850-1852. 

The inside front cover of the notebook bears a label for Joseph Hufty, Blank book manufacturer, No. 407 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia.