Classic Russian Cooking: Elena Molokhovets' A Gift to Young Housewives

Abstract

First published in 1861, this bible of Russian homemakers offered not only a compendium of recipes, but also instructions about such matters as setting up a kitchen, managing servants, shopping, and proper winter storage. Joyce Toomre has superbly translated and annotated over 1,000 recipes and has written a thorough and fascinating introduction that discusses the history of Russian cuisine and summarizes Elena Molokhovets' advice on household management. A treasure trove for culinary historians, serious cooks. and cookbook readers, and scholars of Russian history and culture.