January 7, 1896

Fannie Farmer Cookbook Published

Region:
Greater Boston

On this day in 1896, the first edition of the Boston Cooking-School Cookbook was published. Later known as the Fannie Farmer Cookbook, the book was the work of Fannie Farmer, born in Boston and raised in Medford. The head of the Boston Cooking School, Farmer wanted housewives, as well as professionals, to understand the science of nutrition. She introduced standard measures such as the teaspoon, tablespoon, and cup that American cooks have been using ever since. The publisher was doubtful that anyone would buy such an unconventional cookbook, so he insisted the author pay for the first edition herself. He was wrong. The Fannie Farmer Cookbook was an immediate success and has never been out of print.

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