Our February meeting will feature a presentation by Clarissa F. Dillon, Ph.D., a long-time Society member and respected historian.

Clarissa will explain the steps that lead to the publication in 2023 of A. Cook's Perspective: A Fascinating Insight into 18th-century Recipes by Two Historic Cooks, a book that she jointly authored with Deborah J. Peterson.

Ann Cook was an 18th-century cook and cookbook author. Her cookbook was printed in three editions and contained more than just receipts. For some reason, she had a real problem with Hannah Glasse’s cookbook, The Art of Cookery: Made Plain and Easy, which had been republished many times during the 18th century and would have been the first port of call for a puzzled cook or housekeeper. Cook’s book included vitriolic comments about a number of Glasse’s recipes.

Historic cooks Clarissa F. Dillon and Deborah J. Peterson applied their skills to investigate whether Cook’s remarks were valid. They prepared a number of recipes, both from Glasse and from Cook, and commented on the results. Although a number of people have written about these two women, their emphasis was on the comments, not on the validity of the criticisms. This approach makes this book unique.

We expect to have books available at the meeting for purchase and signing.

Clarissa Dillon grew up in Chicago. She taught there, and when she moved to Pennsylvania she taught in Radnor for 24 years. She has her doctorate in History from Bryn Mawr College and has been active in "living history" since 1973. Although much of her work involves using her research to produce foods, domestic medicines, and other products of 18th-century women's work, she enjoys the occasional "traditional" project.