America's First Cookbook: American Cookery with John Cilio

Step back in time to explore the nation's first cookbook written in the United States. Self-published in 1796 by Amelia Simmons, an orphaned American woman, American Cookery marks a landmark moment in U.S. history. Supported by prominent Federalist politicians of the era, the book blended European culinary traditions with native ingredients and innovative pioneer techniques. In this presentation, historian John Cilio examines this groundbreaking 13-edition work, the evolution of early American cookbook publishing, and how innovations like cast-iron stoves and formal cooking schools transformed…