The Ebony Cookbook- Freda DeKnight 1973 Edition, 1993 Printing

Years ago some of our greatest culinary artists were unable to read or write but their ingenuity, mother wit and good common sense made them masters in their profession without the aid of measuring equipment or science. Needless to say, the old methods they used were tried and true, and no matter how advanced the art of cooking is today, therein lies the basic success of "old school" cookery. From the Introduction by Freda DeKnight 

{HISTORY}

Based on the popular Ebony magazine column "A Date With A Dish"  that began in 1948, The Ebony Cookbook by Feda DeKnight has become a classic staple of cookbook collectors around the world. 

Featuring over 350 pages of non-regional African American recipes both old (passed down for generations) and new (created up to the 1970's) and incorporating all types of cuisine from French, Italian, Asian, Spanish, Indian, American and African influences.

First printed in 1962, this is the revised 1973 edition which was reprinted in 1993. A sampling of interesting recipes with great names include Spareribs with a Future, Steak for Your Memoirs, Grandmother's Feather Cake, Pineapple Fantasy, Virginia Peanut Pie, Old-Fashioned Country Salad, Lobster for Your Best Bridge and Jeter's Hot Pot along with some interesting wild game recipes - Opossum and Sweet Potatoes , Stewed Turtle, Baked Pig's Feet A La ByNum. 

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

- 1973 dust jacket cover art 

- illustrated with whimsical black and white line drawings of The Little Brown Chef by Herbert Temple

- includes a handwritten, taped-in recipe by a previous owner on the front endpaper

- very clean condition

- a crash course in beginner's basics is included in the first chapter titled: A Guide for the Housewife

- contains over 350 pages of recipes

- 24 chapters run the gamut of meals from breakfast to dinner, snacks to desserts

{CONDITION}

Very clean. Dust jacket contains a few coffee splatters on the front and there is a small rip on the back jacket at the top but otherwise in very fine condition.

{SIZE}

Measures 5.5" inches (width) x 8.25" inches (length) x 1.5" inches (depth). 

{WHY YOU NEED IT}

Because little stories are included every so often among the recipes (like one about Louis Armstrong's most favorite meal). And because there are a slew of variations for fascinating recipes like barbecue, and biscuits and pie!  And because almost every recipe calls for fresh, whole ingredients and last but not least because there is a whole entire chapter devoted solely to Creole Cuisine. 

The Ebony Cook by Freda Deknight. Published by Johnson Publishing Company, Chicago. 384 pages. Illustrated by Herbert Temple.