Recipe Book

The collection consists of one household and recipe book from Macon County, AL. A variety of writers left entries within the journal, most notably Miss Zoonomia d. Hoxey Carter and Mrs. M. P. Edwards.

A majority of the collection pertains to culinary interests. There are numerous recipes for cakes and icings, "messy" doughnuts, "pickels,"and breads. Some unique entries include a "Japanese Salad, "Rusk," and beer. Most of recipes contain a listing of ingredients and appropriate "method." However, some measurements maybe: unfamiliar (e.g. "saltspoon") or ambigous (e.g. wine glass) to the contemporary chef.

Written also within the book is an elaborate "description of servants duties." Each slave receives his/her own section that outlines specific tasks and times for schedules on which they should be executed. Collectively, all were responsible for: meals, the master's children, other slaves, clean rooms, livestock, firewood, laundry, gardening, and the masters themselves.

Folded between the pages are also several letters of personal correspondence, poetry, prayer. Though one letter is undated, others range from 1842 to 1891.