A Road Scholar program by Penelope Bingham

American cookbooks–their authors, their implied audience, the social structure implicit in their recipes and meal plans–tell the story of the changes in the role of women and social structure in 20th century America. The cookbook is much more than a “how-to” manual; it documents the expectations for “good food” and for a “good cook.” Looking at a century’s most popular cookbooks brings to light its changing values. This program invites audiences to think about the links between who cooks our food and how our society is structured.

For more information contact Barbara Garvin, 847.884.6097.